Recent rise in the number of TBE and Lyme disease cases

Spring and summer are tick season: in recent weeks, the number of reported TBE and Lyme disease cases in Saxony has risen significantly. By mid-June, 9 cases of TBE and 395 cases of Lyme disease had been registered, according to the weekly epidemiological reports of the State Investigation Institute (LUA).

At the beginning of May, the figures were much lower: as of May 3, the LUA had reported one case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and 173 cases of Lyme disease. The pathogens can be transmitted by ticks.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to inflammation of the joints, heart muscle and nerves. TBE begins with flu-like symptoms, later on nervous system failures are also possible. There are vaccinations against TBE, while Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.

Almost all regions in Saxony are now classified as risk areas. The only exceptions are the city of Leipzig and the districts of Leipzig and North Saxony.

Experts are observing an increase in the number of cases in Saxony. While 15 cases of TBE were reported in 2014, there were 34 last year. This year, the figures are also higher than at the same time in 2023. Last year, the LUA registered 5 cases of TBE and 325 cases of Lyme disease in mid-June.

The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends a TBE vaccination for people in risk areas who could come into contact with ticks. The vaccination rate in Saxony in 2022 was 18.8 percent.