The conditions for ticks are optimal. The risk of bites increases. The RKI already classifies the region around Offenbach and Hanau as a risk area.
Frankfurt – The weather favors their spread. And especially in southern Hesse, the conditions are apparently particularly good. The risk of tick bites is increasing, as reported by the Robert Koch Institute.
Because of the few frosty days in January and February, there are already more ticks in southern Hesse. “Ticks become active again from a temperature of seven degrees Celsius,” explained Markus Stifter from the Hesse State Hunting Association to the German Press Agency.
RKI classifies several cities and districts in Hesse as TBE risk areas
The state hunting association therefore recommends wearing long trousers in nature and spraying the shoes and trouser legs with anti-tick agents. The body should be checked closely after walks and dogs and cats should also be checked for ticks when they come from outside.
According to the RKI, the following regions in southern Hesse are currently considered TBE risk areas:
- Stadt Offenbach
- district of Offenbach
- Main-Kinzig district
- City of Darmstadt
- District of Darmstadt-Dieburg
- Bergstrasse district
- Odenwald district
- District of Gross-Gerau
TBE risk area: the spread of ticks is also a health risk for dogs
Last year, the Robert Koch Institute classified ten cities and districts in Hesse as risk areas for an infection with TBE (tick-borne encephalitis), which can be transmitted by ticks. In addition to the region around Offenbach, Hanau and Darmstadt, the Fulda district and the Marburg-Biedenkopf district are also considered risk areas.
According to the State Hunting Association, the spread of exotic tick species is also an increasing health risk for humans and dogs. The brown dog tick and the giant Hyalomma tick are spreading more and more in Germany. This increases the risk of becoming infected with pathogens of rather rare diseases such as typhus. (esa/dpa)
