Stay Ahead of the Tick with TBE Vaccination in Bavaria
For Your Brain's Sake, Vaccinate!
Advocating for Tick Vaccinations: Statement from Health Minister Gerlach - Gerlach, the Health Minister, advocates for tick immunization.
Bavaria, Germany, is infested with ticks, and the chances of contracting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) are higher than one might think. Only one out of every five adults in the region has TBE protection, according to Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU). And that's just not enough! This potentially deadly disease can lead to inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, or brain itself, making it a serious concern for residents and travelers alike.
The Shocking Numbers
As of April 22, the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) has reported four cases of TBE, surpassing last year's number at the same time. The highest risk of infection is between April and October, so it's crucial to stay on your toes.
Munich's Own Warning Bell
Health Minister Gerlach strongly emphasized the need for TBE vaccination in Munich, citing the potentially life-threatening consequences of the viral disease. TBE can cause permanent neurological damage or worse, making it essential to take preventative measures.
Here's the Good News...
Thankfully, vaccines are readily available and well-tolerated. Statutory health insurance covers the costs of the three required vaccinations within a year. Unvaccinated individuals should get started immediately, as protection doesn't kick in until after the second vaccination.
But, No Protection for Lyme
It's important to note that the TBE vaccine does not offer protection against Lyme borreliosis, another disease transmitted by ticks. Though treatable with antibiotics, early recognition is crucial for successful treatment. Symptoms to watch out for include a circular redness around the bite site.
Pro Tip
If bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible and seek medical help if necessary. If a rash appears after a bite, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
[1] CDC.gov (2022). TBE Vaccine Recommendations. [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/tbe/protection/vaccine.html
[2] WHO.int (2021). TBE Vaccine. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/tbe/en/
[3] CDC.gov (2022). Prevent Tick Bites. [Online]. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html
[4] Gerlach, J. (2022, April 26). Bavarian Health Minister's Press Conference. [Online]. Available: https://www.corona-updates.de/news/bavarian-health-minister-judith-gerlach-emphasizes-importance-of-tick-borne-encephalitis-vaccination/
Keywords
- Tick
- Bavaria
- TBE
- Judith Gerlach
- Munich
- Vaccination
- Encephalitis
- BMG
- CSU
- Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety
- Lyme Borreliosis
- Insect repellent
- Preventive measures
- TBE vaccine schedule
- itinerary
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- WHO
- Healthcare professional
- Outdoor activities
- Risk factor
- Booster doses
- Early recognition
- Antibiotics
- Bite site rash
- Despite Bavaria's high risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), only one in five adults in the region has TBE protection, according to Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU).
- The need for TBE vaccination is emphasized in Munich, as the viral disease can cause serious health issues such as inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, or brain itself.
- Vaccines for TBE are readily available, well-tolerated, and covered by statutory health insurance for the three required vaccinations within a year.
- Those who are unvaccinated should start the vaccination process immediately, as protection does not kick in until after the second vaccination.
- It's crucial to have TBE vaccination, but it does not offer protection against Lyme borreliosis, another disease transmitted by ticks.
- If bitten by a tick, remove it as soon as possible and seek medical help if necessary, as early recognition is crucial for successful treatment of Lyme borreliosis.
