Various pathogens can be transmitted by ticks. The most widespread and best-known diseases in the northern Hemisphere are borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
Contact your family doctor as soon as possible.
Since 2005, the number of TBE-infected persons in Switzerland has fluctuated between 100-250 cases per year. The better climatic conditions for ticks and the fact that more people spend time outside have led to a significant increase in TBE infections in recent years.
When going for walks, forest excursions and hikes, the best way to protect yourself from ticks is with: Long trousers and closed shoes. Put socks over your trousers Wear light-colored clothes
Lyme borreliosis can be transmitted by infected ticks throughout Switzerland. The FOPH has declared Switzerland as a TBE risk area, except for the cantons of Geneva and Ticino.
For transmission to occur, the tick must bite down and then suck blood. If this has not yet happened, transmission with Lyme disease or TBE is unlikely. Even if the tick has already sucked blood, transmission does not necessarily have to have occurred, as not every tick has to be a carrier of the pathogens.
Yes, Lyme disease and TBE can be detected in the tick for up to one year.