Overview
- Germany’s public health institute added Nordsachsen and the city district of Halle (Saale) to the 2026 FSME risk map, reflecting a wider spread of the virus.
- Clinics report rising FSME cases as researchers tie stronger tick activity to climate change and milder winters, prompting fresh vaccination advice in risk areas.
- Ticks spread Lyme disease, which is usually treatable when found early, and FSME, which has no specific drug but a vaccine exists.
- Removing a tick fast lowers the chance of infection, so use fine tweezers or a tick tool, grip near the head, pull straight out, and disinfect the skin.
- Protect yourself with long, smooth, light clothing, careful checks of people and pets after time outdoors, and repellents that contain Icaridin or DEET.