As temperatures rise, ticks become more active. Tick bites are not only annoying; they can sometimes also spread diseases. How do I properly remove ticks, and when should I see a doctor?
- Tick bite discovered – what should you do?
- How do I remove a tick properly?
- What diseases can ticks transmit?
- What symptoms can occur?
- How can I protect myself from ticks?
- What vaccinations are recommended?
Tick bite discovered – what should you do?
Tick bites are not painful, which is why they often go unnoticed, so it is important to check your whole body after being outdoors and search your clothes for ticks. You should check your armpits, neck and behind your knees extra carefully, because ticks like warm and moist places.
It is important to catch ticks and remove them early on, because the longer the tick is attached, the more likely it is for pathogens to be transmitted from ticks to humans.
How do I remove a tick properly?
The tick should be quickly and carefully removed after it is discovered:
- Position tweezers closely against the skin, around the tick (there are also special tick removal tweezers available).
- Try to grasp the tick with the tweezers as close to the head as possible and take care not to squeeze the rear section of the tick.
- Pull the tick gently upward and away from the skin.
- Place the tick in a small, closed container (for analysis in case you begin to have disease symptoms later) and disinfect the spot around the bite.
- Observe the bite area over the next few days for redness and be aware of any symptoms of illness.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is transmitted by the actual bite of infected ticks. According to the Federal Office of Public Health, 5 to 30% of ticks in Switzerland are infected with the Borrelia bacterium. This leads to up to 10,000 cases of illness each year.
Lyme disease causes various symptoms in those affected. A laboratory test of the tick can simplify a diagnosis.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
TBE is a virus transmitted by ticks that affects the central nervous system. In Switzerland, case numbers fluctuate between 100 and 250 illnesses per year. Favourable climatic conditions lead to a significant increase in infected ticks. The causes of TBE cannot be treated; only the symptoms can be alleviated.
Tularaemia
Tularaemia or rabbit fever is an infection with the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The illness is particularly widespread in rabbits and rodents, which is why it is known as ‘rabbit fever’. Transmission to humans takes place via tick bite. Tularaemia is a rare illness in humans. However, growing case numbers have been observed in recent years, with 130–150 cases per year.
Alongshan virus (ALS)
The Alongshan virus (ALS virus) was first discovered in Mongolia in 2017 after a tick bite to a patient. In the meantime, the virus has spread worldwide and was also detected in Switzerland in December 2022. Subsequent investigations have shown that the Alongshan virus appears to be even more common in Switzerland overall than the TBE virus, to which it is related.
Lyme disease (Erythema migrans)
Skin inflammation that expands in a ring forms at the bite area. The circular expansion with a light-coloured area in the centre is known as Erythema migrans. Erythema migrans can appear a few days after the tick bite or only after a few weeks. Flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, elevated temperature, joint and muscle pain can also occur. Borreliosis sometimes also affects the nervous system (neuroborreliosis). Involvement of the nerves is expressed by symptoms such as belt-like nerve pain, feelings of numbness or paralysis. Early detection of the illness and initiation of treatment is important to prevent subsequent damage.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
Flu-like symptoms can occur one to two weeks after the transmission of TBE. However, in many cases, the infection with TBE is completely without symptoms. For around 5 to 10% of those infected, the central nervous system is affected, with the development of encephalitis (brain inflammation) after a certain period of time. This becomes noticeable with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, sensitivity to light, walking problems and concentration problems. In severe cases, paralysis of the arms and legs or facial nerves can occur.
Tularaemia
In the event of an infection with tularaemia, signs of inflammation that can quickly develop into skin ulcers appear in the bite area. Fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle and joint pain are other possible symptoms of tularaemia.
Alongshan virus (ALS)
An infection with the ALS virus causes symptoms similar to those of a cold: headache, fever, fatigue, muscle aches and aching limbs. Although there is currently little data on cases of illness with the Alongshan virus, researchers assume that meningitis or brain inflammation occur much less frequently after an infection with the ALS virus than with the TBE virus.
When you should consult a doctor
You should consult a doctor if symptoms such as fever, tiredness, muscle pain, joint pain, Erythema migrans or ulcers occur in the bite area after a tick bite. The prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment are important to prevent these diseases from becoming serious. Antibiotics are available to treat Lyme disease and tularaemia. Only the symptoms of TBE can be treated; it is not possible to treat the cause.
How can I protect myself from ticks?
Ticks prefer being in grasses and bushes in forests or gardens. They sit on low plants, from where they can attach themselves to humans as the humans brush past. The following measures are recommended in order to prevent a tick bite:
- Wear long clothing that covers your body.
- Tuck your trouser cuffs into your socks.
- Light-coloured clothing helps to see ticks more easily.
- Avoid tall grass and undergrowth, which are preferred by ticks.
- Use insect repellent.
- Check your body and clothes after spending time outdoors. Especially at the backs of the knees and inside of the elbows, under the arms, behind the ears and in the groin area.
- Wash clothing after spending time outdoors.
What vaccinations are recommended?
There are no vaccinations against tularaemia and Lyme disease. The TBE vaccination is recommended for all people over 6 years of age who regularly spend time in nature or in the garden. This vaccination recommendation applies to all areas of Switzerland with the exception of the cantons of Geneva and Ticino. These cantons are not among the high-risk areas for TBE.