The health department informs about current topics Help, I've been stung, will I get sick now?

Oberbergischer Kreis. With rising temperatures in spring and early summer, ticks and mosquitoes also come into play. Both are so-called vectors and can transmit various pathogens to humans.

How are pathogens transmitted to humans by ticks or mosquitoes?

Ticks and mosquitoes transmit pathogens through a bite. They suck blood, which they need for their development and reproduction. During a blood meal, a tick or mosquito can ingest pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites from an infected host. Often, the pathogen multiplies within the vector. During the next blood meal, the pathogen can be transmitted to a human.

What diseases can be transmitted by ticks?

Significant tick-borne infectious diseases in Germany are Lyme disease and TBE (tick-borne encephalitis). While Lyme disease can theoretically be transmitted wherever ticks are found, specific regions in Germany are designated as risk areas for TBE.

Is the Oberbergischer Kreis a risk area for TBE?

No, the Oberbergischer Kreis is not designated as a risk area for the transmission of TBE. Vaccination against TBE is currently recommended only for stays in risk areas. The risk areas in Germany can be found here: RKI - TBE (Tick-borne Encephalitis) - Map of TBE Risk Areas

How can I protect myself from tick bites?

During walks in the forest and at its edges, stay on designated paths as much as possible. When in contact with tall grass, shrubs, or undergrowth, wear closed shoes, long pants, and long-sleeved tops. Pull your socks over your pant legs. Choose light-colored, solid clothing to make ticks easier to spot and remove.

Additionally, you can apply tick-repellent products. Please follow the instructions for application and effectiveness on the packaging.

After spending time in nature, thoroughly check your entire body for ticks. Ticks prefer protected skin areas. Pay special attention to the head and hairline, behind the ears, on the neck, under the arms, in the crooks of the elbows, around the navel, in the groin area, the genital area, and behind the knees.

If you find a tick on your body that has already bitten, remove it as quickly as possible: grasp the feeding tick as close to the skin as possible at the head area using tweezers or a special tick removal tool and pull it out slowly. Be careful not to grab or squeeze the engorged body of the tick, as this could facilitate the transmission of pathogens. After removal, disinfect the bite site to prevent infections. 

What diseases can be transmitted by mosquitoes?

Mosquito-borne diseases in Germany currently mostly occur in travelers who have been infected in a country where the disease is prevalent. Examples include malaria, West Nile fever, dengue fever, chikungunya fever, or Zika fever. These diseases predominantly occur in tropical countries but also appear in small numbers in Europe during the summer months.

Can I get one of these tropical diseases from a mosquito bite in Germany?

Mosquitoes in Germany mostly do not transmit pathogens. A mosquito bite usually causes swelling (a welt) and itching, and occasionally the bite site may become infected.

One disease that can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes in Germany is West Nile fever. The carriers of the West Nile virus are mainly the widespread Culex mosquitoes. These can become infected with the West Nile virus from wild birds. The West Nile virus is found in various regions worldwide. Due to climatic changes, the virus now also finds sufficiently favorable conditions in Germany. Since 2019, in addition to cases in returning travelers, infections have been recorded where transmission occurred through mosquitoes in Germany. Eastern Germany is primarily affected. Most people infected with the West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. However, it can cause flu-like symptoms and, in rare cases, inflammation of the meninges or brain, as well as other organs.

And what about the Asian tiger mosquito? It's already in Germany!

In addition, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is increasingly settling in various regions in Germany. This daytime-active mosquito species, originally from Southeast Asia, can transmit pathogens such as the chikungunya, dengue, or Zika viruses to humans. So far, no such vector transmission has been observed in Germany, but it has occurred on a small scale in southern Europe in recent years. If travelers returning from trips where they contracted such viruses and carry them in their blood are bitten by an Aedes mosquito in Germany, a seasonal transmission of these diseases in Germany is conceivable. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the risk of chikungunya virus infections and dengue virus infections is expected to increase in Germany due to global warming.

How can I protect myself from mosquito bites?

The best mosquito protection: wear long clothing, apply mosquito repellents, install insect screens

The most important measure to avoid mosquito-borne infections is protection against mosquito bites. The following measures are suitable for this purpose:

Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as long-sleeved tops, long pants, and socks. Additional protection is provided by mosquito-repellent products (repellents) applied to the skin. Clothing can also be treated with mosquito repellents. Follow the product's instructions for use.

Insect screens on windows and doors or air conditioners can keep mosquitoes out of indoor spaces. Insect nets can also be impregnated with mosquito repellents for added protection.

To reduce the spread of mosquitoes in your living environment, eliminate or cover breeding grounds for mosquitoes, such as open water containers or small vessels where water can collect. Birdbaths should be cleaned and refilled regularly.