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Tick chaos in Germany: TBE cases are exploding due to climate change!
Press conference by the University of Hohenheim on TBE: Information about ticks, diseases and vaccinations on February 25, 2025.
Tick chaos in Germany: TBE cases are exploding due to climate change!
On March 9, 2025, the University of Hohenheim will hold a press conference addressing a worrying increase in cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Germany. The virtual event, which will take place on February 25th at 10:00 a.m., is an important step in raising awareness about the dangers posed by ticks. Media representatives can contact: presse@uni-hohenheim.de register.
According to the current analysis, the number of cases in Germany has reached alarming levels. In 2024, the second highest number of TBE cases in more than twenty years was recorded, with a total of 686 diagnoses. The Robert Koch Institute reports a continuous increase in cases since 2017, which will continue in 2025. What is particularly noteworthy is that TBE-positive ticks are now active in districts that are not classified as risk areas, which increases the risks for the population.
Ticks and their spread
The ticks are active all year round and have now reached higher mountain regions. Researchers at the University of Hohenheim describe the whole of Germany as a TBE endemic area. This is due to climate change, which promotes the spread of ticks. Ticks remain active even in winter, especially in regions with mild winters where temperatures below -15 degrees are becoming increasingly rare.
Hotspots are particularly evident in southern Germany, such as the Ravensburg district, where over 80% of TBE cases come from the federal states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Prof. Dr. Ute Mackenstedt emphasizes the high genetic diversity of TBE viruses in these areas, which further complicates the fight against the disease.
The challenges of diagnosis and vaccination
The symptoms of a TBE infection can be flu-like and often lead to misdiagnosis, especially in children. This is another significant topic that will be addressed at the upcoming press conference. In 2024, 98% of TBE patients were either not vaccinated or did not have sufficient vaccination protection. This worrying number underscores the urgency of educating people about vaccinations. In countries like Austria, a nationwide vaccination campaign has significantly reduced the number of illnesses.
The vaccination against TBE is paid for by health insurance companies and is recommended for all age groups. In Germany, too, people should pay more attention to vaccination protection in order to protect themselves and their families.
For further information on tick research and the upcoming press conference, those interested can visit the University of Hohenheim website: zecken.uni-hohenheim.de.