Over 250 cases of the tick-borne early summer meningo-encephalitis (ESME) disease have been recorded in Switzerland so far in 2019, the second-highest number since the year 2000.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
Português
pt
Casos de encefalite transmitida por carrapatos permanecem altos, apesar de campanha de vacinação
The figure is second-only to the record 353 of last year. The third-most cases reported in a single year came in 2017, with 250. Overall, since the year 2000, annual cases have fluctuated, with some years seeing less than 100 incidences, but with a steady rise in the past five years.
ESME, which attacks the nervous system and may result in paralysis, permanent sequelaeExternal link or death, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is transmitted by tick bites, and most cases are reported in the summer months. In 2019, the peak came in July.
However, the FOPH also noted that general consultations by patients suffering from tick bites, as well as patients showing signs of Lyme disease – another tick-borne disease – were both within the normal range in 2019, at 18,000 and 9,300 respectively.
The WHO says that the risk of contracting ESME is highest when hiking or camping in forested areas up to an altitude of about 1,500 metres.
Advice for avoiding tick-borne diseases are mainly practical precautions such as wearing long trousers and closed footwear when hiking or camping in nature. The WHO also says that “the whole body should be inspected daily and attached ticks removed as soon as possible”.
Ticks have to be properly removed with tweezers. If mouth parts of the tick remain under the skin for longer than around 36-48 hours, there is a risk of becoming ill.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
This content was published on
A group of around 25 men in uniforms of the Wehrmacht – the army of Nazi Germany – crossed the Wildhorn massif on Saturday and were questioned by Bern cantonal police.
Switzerland named hotspot for fox tapeworm disease
This content was published on
Diseases caused by the fox tapeworm are on the rise in Europe. Alveolar hydatid disease (AHD) caused by the parasite is rare, but the number of cases is increasing.
This content was published on
The earth shook near Mürren in the Bernese Oberland on Monday afternoon with a magnitude of around 4.2 on the Richter scale.
Public transport in Geneva faces calls for overhaul
This content was published on
Public transport services in Greater Geneva must better meet needs. The associations Transports et environnement (ATE) and Rail Dauphiné Savoie Léman (ARDSL) have drawn up a review of the situation, calling in particular for the Leman Express timetable to be extended.
Swiss politician who shot at baby Jesus risks fine
This content was published on
The Zurich public prosecutor's office has brought charges against Zurich city parliamentarian Sanija Ameti for disturbing religious freedom. Ameti had shot at a picture of Jesus and Mary with an air pistol.
This content was published on
The French-Swiss artist Saype has created a new giant painting on the summit of the Grand Chamossaire above Villars-sur-Ollon VD. The 2500 square metre work depicts a boy with a rucksack on his shoulders.
This content was published on
According to "Schweizer Illustrierte", Swiss actor Carlos Leal is returning to Switzerland - after 15 years in Los Angeles. "It's become loud there, megalomaniacal and arrogant," he said in the online edition of the magazine.
This content was published on
A coin collector has filed a criminal complaint with the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland against Swissmint, the federal mint, for fraud in connection with the sale of the limited-edition 100-franc gold Vreneli.
Museum to open devoted to Swiss ski legend Vreni Schneider
This content was published on
Vreni Schneider is to have a museum in the centre of her home village of Elm. The legendary Swiss ski racer has numerous memorabilia at home, which she is now releasing and exhibiting.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Tick-borne encephalitis threatens almost all of Switzerland
This content was published on
Only two Swiss cantons are not considered “at-risk” zones for tick-borne diseases, the Federal Office of Public Health has announced.
Nation urged to vaccinate against tick-borne disease
This content was published on
Ticks have become such a menace across Switzerland that the government is urging everyone to get vaccinated against a disease they cause.
This content was published on
Physicians in Switzerland have seen a sharp increase in the number of tick bites as well as cases of Lyme disease this year.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.