If you find a red circle on the body after a tick bite, you have to be aware: because every fourth tap in Austria is infected with Borrelia and can pass it on to people. To date, there is no active prevention against Lyme disease. But that could change quickly.
Small, black crawling animals with eight legs, only about two to four millimeters long, lurked in local forests and meadows: the sign. Austria is a risk country, Styria and Carinthia have the highest incidence in the comparison of the federal state. Although vaccination of the early Summer Honenso -Encephalitis (TBE) has been standard for years, there is still no active provision against Lyme disease.
That is exactly why it is important to properly protect yourself. “After a walk in the forest or over a meadow, you always have to examine the whole body exactly on ticks. In short, it is also advisable to wear long clothes,” explains Michael Adromeit, general practitioner and vaccination expert of the Styria Medical Association. Borreliosis infections are more common in spring and early summer.
If you find a tick, you should definitely remove it correctly: “Pull it out with tweezers, do not use alcohol or disinfectants,” says Adomeit. If there is a suspicion that there can be an infection with Lyme disease, a doctor must be consulted as quickly as possible. The typical characteristic of Borreliosis is a red skin of the skin that spreads over the leakage place. It can occur a few days to a few weeks after the tick bite. The infection can be treated with an antibiotic.
Big difference to TBE
The risk of Lyme disease is considerably higher than with the TBE: “Borrelia was found in 25 to 30 percent of the sign that were analyzed in Austria. For this this percentage is considerably lower and is 0.1 to five percent in risk areas,” says the Austrian association of vaccine manufacturers (Övih).
Another significant difference is in the incubation period: the Borreliosis pathogens are in the stomach of the tick. This is only sent after a long suction, therefore a rapid distance can reduce the risk of infection. TBE is immediately transferred with the stitch, the removal of the tick can no longer influence this.
Vaccination Breakthrough is on your hands
When performing TBE, which is noticeable by flu -like symptoms such as fever and headache and body pain, only the symptoms can be treated. Because it is a virus, there is still no effective medication. This shows how important the “drawing vaccination” is, as it is popularly called. “We have enough vaccine. We also vaccinate daily from 10.15 am without making an appointment,” says Eva Winter, head of the Graz Health Office.
A hopeful opinion: active prevention against Lyme disease seems tangible. According to the Övih, the development of a vaccination is in full swing and is already in the final phase.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
