Ticks are back in season - Thuringia braces for surge in tick bites after mild winter fails to curb numbers

A mild winter has failed to reduce tick numbers in Thuringia's forests and grasslands. With warmer spring weather arriving, health officials are warning of a higher risk of tick bites and related diseases. Over the past five years, the region has recorded around 1,200 reported cases of tick bites with potential infections.

Ticks in Thuringia survive cold spells unless temperatures plummet to minus 20 degrees Celsius. The most common species in the area, the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), remains active even after mild winters. Not all ticks carry diseases, but infection rates range from 5% to 35% depending on the region.

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia bacteria, is the most widespread tick-borne illness in Germany. Symptoms include a red, ring-shaped rash, muscle and joint pain, and fever. The first cases of the disease have already been reported this year.

There is no vaccine for Lyme disease, but it can be treated with antibiotics. The best way to prevent infection is to remove ticks as quickly as possible after a bite. Between 2021 and 2025, Thuringia's designated risk areas saw a steady number of cases, with figures peaking at 260 in 2023.

Health authorities continue to monitor tick activity as spring progresses. Early detection and prompt removal of ticks remain key to reducing the risk of infection. Residents are advised to stay vigilant when spending time outdoors in wooded or grassy areas.