Be careful, ticks! High risk of TBE in Lower Saxony – How to protect yourself!

Be careful, ticks! High risk of TBE in Lower Saxony – How to protect yourself!

In Lower Saxony the weather for the weekend is set for high temperatures and rain. But while many are looking forward to the sun's rays, there is also an important warning from the Lower Saxony State Health Office (NLGA): the ticks are on the move again. These small arachnids carry the risk of transmitting dangerous diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease. Anyone who is out in nature should be particularly careful.

Tick ​​activity is particularly high this year, and a TBE vaccination is therefore strongly recommended for people in risk areas, travelers there and natural professionals. The two risk areas in Lower Saxony, the Emsland district and the Celle district, which was only added in February 2025, are at the top of the list of areas in which TBE-infected ticks have been found. This region has, like that Lower Saxony Medical Center reported an alarming increase in TBE cases - in 2024 a total of 686 diseases were recorded in Germany, the second highest number of cases since data collection began in 2001.

Preventive measures

The symptoms of TBE can be similar to the flu, but develop quickly and, in the worst case, lead to meningitis. Fever, headache and vomiting are typical signs. Lyme disease, on the other hand, has no vaccine and initially appears as redness around the injection site. Both diseases are serious because, in the worst case, TBE can lead to long-term damage to the brain or paralysis.

To protect yourself from these unpleasant consequences, the NLGA experts recommend removing ticks as quickly as possible, wearing durable, light-colored clothing and using insect repellent. Nature lovers should also make sure to check themselves thoroughly after spending time outdoors. You should be particularly careful at times when temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and humidity increases.

What applies in general?

The common tick species, especially the wood tick, are widespread throughout Lower Saxony. Meanwhile, tropical tick species are rarely reported. It is a common misconception to believe that TBE risk areas are only identical to tick areas. In fact, ticks can migrate throughout Germany and, despite a high risk in certain areas, they can be found everywhere.

The Portal zecken.de has pointed out that TBE viruses are transmitted immediately when the tick bites. Vaccination protection is therefore crucial, especially for residents or visitors to risk areas, while travel to European risk areas should also be recommended. A conversation with your family doctor can help clarify personal vaccination protection, as statutory health insurance companies usually cover the costs of immunization.

Overall, citizens in Lower Saxony should be vigilant and take protective measures. Nature not only offers beautiful views, but also health risks that can often be averted through preventive measures. The motto here is: It's better to be safe than sorry!