Ticks In Austria: What You Need To Know

Ticks are a common problem in Austria, with the country being one of the worst-affected in Central Europe for tick-borne diseases. The most common of these is Lyme disease, which is caused by the corkscrew-shaped Borrelia bacteria. The second most common is early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE), a viral disease that can be fatal. Other diseases transmitted by ticks in Austria include anaplasmosis, tick-borne relapsing fever-Borreliosis, neoehrlichiosis, rickettsiosis, babesiosis, and alpha-gal syndrome.

The risk of contracting a tick-borne disease is particularly high in certain areas of Austria, such as Vorarlberg, Upper Austria, and Tyrol. The risk is lowest in Lower Austria.

To protect yourself from tick bites, it is recommended to wear closed clothing, such as long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes. Insect repellent can also be applied to exposed skin. It is important to check for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in areas such as the pubic area, inner thigh, belly button, armpits, hairline, and behind the ears. If a tick is found, it should be removed as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers or a special tick hook.

Ticks in Austria carry Lyme disease and early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE)

Ticks are particularly active in Austria, and they carry Lyme disease and early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). Ticks do not jump or fall from trees but wait in grass and shrub land for a host. They climb onto your clothes or skin if you brush past something they're on. The more wild and natural the environment, the more likely it is that there will be ticks, but they can also be found in parks and gardens.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia. It is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in the Northern Hemisphere. Over 30 percent of Ixodes ricinus ticks (the most common tick species in central and northern Europe) are infected with Borrelia. Lyme disease can often be treated effectively if it's detected early on. But if it's not treated or treatment is delayed, there's a risk of developing severe and long-lasting symptoms.

Many people with early-stage Lyme disease develop a distinctive circular rash at the site of the tick bite, usually around three to 30 days after being bitten. The rash is often described as looking like a bull's-eye on a dartboard. The affected area of skin will be red and the edges may feel slightly raised. Some people also experience flu-like symptoms in the early stages of Lyme disease.

Early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE) is caused by the TBE virus found in the saliva of some ticks. The tick transmits the viruses immediately after being bitten. The TBE virus multiplies in human nerve cells. TBE is a viral infectious disease involving the central nervous system. The disease most often manifests as meningitis, encephalitis or meningoencephalitis. Myelitis and spinal paralysis also occur. In about one-third of cases, predominantly cognitive dysfunction, persists for a year or more.

The number of reported cases of TBE has been increasing in most countries. TBE poses a concerning health challenge to Europe, as the number of reported human cases of TBE in all endemic regions of Europe increased by almost 400% within the last three decades. In Austria, an extensive vaccination program since the 1970s reduced the incidence in 2013 by roughly 85%.

Ticks do not jump or fall from trees but live on the ground on low vegetation

Ticks are arachnids and not insects. They have eight legs and are related to spiders. They are blood-sucking parasites that can be harmful to both humans and pets. They are known to transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis.

Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not jump or fall from trees. Instead, they live on the ground on low vegetation and wait in grass and shrub land for a host. They employ an ambush strategy called "questing" to find their next victim. They crawl up low shrubs, bushes, or blades of grass, anchor themselves with their hind legs, and reach out with their front legs to detect a host. These front legs contain Haller's organs, which are heat and carbon dioxide receptors that help them sense the presence of an animal or human. When a potential host brushes against the vegetation, ticks let go and climb onto the host.

Ticks are typically found in shaded areas with tree canopies and moist, shady areas at ground level. They cling to tall grass, brush, and shrubs, usually no more than 18-24 inches off the ground. They are also commonly found in lawns, gardens, and parks. While they can climb trees, ticks are unlikely to be found high up in trees since they prefer to remain close to potential hosts.

To protect yourself from ticks, it is recommended to wear light-colored, tightly-woven clothing to easily spot ticks. Additionally, wear enclosed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck your pant legs into socks or boots, and tuck your shirt into your pants. It is also advisable to consider using insect repellent and staying on cleared, well-travelled trails while avoiding direct contact with vegetation.

Ticks are most active in Spring and early Summer

In fact, May is the tickiest month of the year in North America, with June usually coming in second. When you add in July and early August, and the fact that people tend to spend more time outdoors during these months, it's no surprise that most tick-borne diseases are contracted during the summer.

In Austria, a particularly active tick season can be caused by a mild winter, with temperatures over 5°C to 7°C. This is because warmer temperatures mean ticks are more active.

To protect yourself from ticks, it's recommended that you wear light-coloured clothing so that ticks are easier to spot, and that you wear long sleeves and trousers tucked into your socks. You should also apply insect repellent to exposed skin and check yourself for ticks when you get home.

Ticks can be removed with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick hook

Ticks are prevalent in Austria, and can carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus. If you are spending time in Austria, it is important to know how to safely remove a tick from your skin.

The best tools to use for tick removal are fine-tipped tweezers or a tick hook. The tweezers should have pointy tips, not squared-off ones, as ticks can be very small and squared-off tweezers may tear them. Before attempting to remove the tick, clean the area around the bite with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Position the tweezers as close to the skin's surface as possible, grasping the tick firmly by the head or mouth. Pull slowly and steadily upwards, maintaining an even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin, which can lead to infection. If this does happen, try to remove the mouthparts with tweezers, but if you are unable to, leave them alone and allow the skin to heal.

Once the tick has been removed, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water. Dispose of the tick by drowning it in alcohol, flushing it down the toilet, or sealing it in a bag or container.

It is important to note that ticks should not be removed by burning, smothering, or painting them with substances such as nail polish or petroleum jelly. These methods can cause the tick to detach slowly or burrow deeper into the skin, increasing the risk of infection.

Vaccination is recommended for early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially fatal disease caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. TBE is a human viral infectious disease that affects the central nervous system and can result in long-term neurological symptoms and even death. The risk of contracting TBE can be reduced by using insect repellents and protective clothing to prevent tick bites. However, the most effective means of preventing TBE is through vaccination.

In Austria, TBE vaccination has been widely accepted by the population. The vaccine is available in any chemist (Apotheke) and can be injected by a doctor. It is recommended for people who are moving or travelling outside the United States to areas where TBE is prevalent and will have extensive exposure to ticks. This includes those who plan to take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, or trail running. The decision to vaccinate should be based on factors such as the person's travel itinerary, planned activities, risk factors for severe disease, and personal perception of risk.

The TBE vaccine is given as a three-dose primary series, with the second and third doses administered at varying intervals depending on the age of the recipient. A booster dose may be given at least three years after the third dose for individuals at risk of ongoing exposure to TBE. Common side effects of the vaccine include soreness or pain at the injection site, headache, fever, and restlessness.

Even with vaccination, it is important to take precautions to reduce the risk of tick bites, such as wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after potential exposure.

Frequently asked questions