Czech Republic Reports Over 1300 Lyme Disease Cases in Q1; Experts Urge Wearing Long Pants, Avoiding Grass

During the Easter holidays, the weather was sunny and pleasant, and many Czech citizens took the opportunity to go out for walks. However, as temperatures gradually rise, tick activity has significantly increased, and the risk of infection cannot be ignored.

According to data from the National Institute of Public Health (SZÚ), Czech medical institutions have reported over 1300 cases of tick-borne Lyme disease in the first quarter of this year. Notably, the risk of contracting Lyme disease in urban green spaces is even three times higher than in forests.

Kateřina Kybicová, an expert at the National Lyme Disease Reference Laboratory, pointed out that the risk of infection in city parks is actually much higher than generally perceived. 'In spring, ticks often lurk in fallen leaves. Just sitting on a bench can lead to a bite.'

Since 2014, a Czech research team has been monitoring ticks in 12 parks in Prague, and three years ago, this was expanded to all provincial capitals nationwide. To date, over 100,000 tick samples have been collected, and research results show that city parks are the highest-risk areas.

The study indicates that the risk of infection in urban environments is more threatening because ticks often repeatedly feed on the same host, especially birds and small mammals such as rodents, hedgehogs, and squirrels. This repeated infection causes 25% to 30% of ticks to carry Lyme disease pathogens. In contrast, the infection rate of ticks in forests is lower, at about 10% to 12%.

Kybicová noted that the Czech Republic has long been one of the countries with a higher incidence of tick-borne disease transmission, which is closely related to its climatic conditions. In the Czech Republic, ticks usually become active from February to March, and because summers are not too hot and dry, ticks can survive. Global warming has also extended the tick activity period and gradually expanded to higher altitudes.

Kybicová said that after contracting Lyme disease, the typical symptom is the appearance of 'erythema migrans,' which can usually be treated with antibiotics. As for another disease, 'tick-borne encephalitis,' there is currently a vaccine available for prevention.

However, the vaccination rate for tick-borne encephalitis in the Czech Republic remains low, far below the over 90% vaccination rate in neighboring Austria. Kybicová stated: 'In recent years, the first dose vaccination rate has increased, approaching half of the national population. However, if the second and third doses are not completed, it is still not enough to establish complete and long-term immunity.'

Kybicová reminded that measures to prevent tick bites are crucial. In addition to wearing long pants when going out and avoiding sitting directly on grass, it is recommended to use chemically manufactured insect repellent to enhance protection.

She said that the risk is not only in forests; vigilance is also needed in city parks. After returning home from outdoors, people should immediately check their clothes for ticks, wash them, and use a dryer. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150408