Ticks in Ticino: 18,000 bites in 2025, here's what to know
In 2025, Switzerland recorded 18,000 tick bites. Dr. Luisa Carnino from EOC explains symptoms and prevention
Contesto
In brief - 18,000 tick bites in Switzerland in 2025 - Spread increases due to mild climate - Lyme disease and tick-borne meningoencephalitis are the most dangerous illnesses ## Key facts - What: Increase in tick bites - When: 2025 - Where: Switzerland - Who: Dr. Luisa Carnino, EOC - Amount: 18,000 bites The tick season has started and in 2025, Switzerland registered 18,000 bites. This increase is mainly due to mild temperatures that favor the spread of these parasites. Dr. Luisa Carnino, head of travel medicine at the Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), explained that ticks prefer warmth and become active from the beginning of spring, especially if it is mild and with high temperatures. Moreover, their season extends if autumns are mild. Dr. Carnino also pointed out that ticks are increasing their presence at higher altitudes, up to 2,000 meters, compared to 1,500 meters a few years ago. ### Diseases transmitted by ticks Ticks can transmit various diseases, including Lyme disease (borreliosis) and tick-borne meningoencephalitis. Lyme disease is the most widespread and its initial symptoms include a red patch on the skin, called erythema migrans, which appears three days to three or four weeks after the bite. If recognized in time, the disease can be treated with antibiotics for 10-14 days. If not recognized, it can progress to a more advanced stage, affecting other organs such as the joints or the heart. Tick-borne meningoencephalitis, although not yet widespread in Ticino, is present in other parts of Switzerland. Initial symptoms may include fever, muscle and joint pain, while in more severe cases it can evolve into cerebral or meningeal symptoms, with intense headache, paralysis, and, rarely, death. It has not yet been diagnosed in Ticino, which is why it is the on...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for cross-border workers The increase in tick bites in Switzerland, and particularly in Ticino, has important implications for cross-border workers who live and work in this region. The proximity to Italy, where tick-borne meningoencephalitis is present in some northern regions, makes awareness and prevention of these diseases even more important. ### Outdoor activities and risks Cross-border workers who engage in outdoor activities, such as mountain hikes or walks in the woods, should be particularly attentive. Dr. Carnino emphasized that ticks can be found up to 2,000 meters in altitude, so it's important to adopt preventive measures even during winter activities. ### Vaccination and healthcare In Ticino, vaccination against tick-borne meningoencephalitis is not yet recommended, but for cross-border workers who frequently travel to other Swiss regions or Italy, it might be useful to consider vaccination. It's important to consult your doctor or a specialized center to assess the need for vaccination and follow the prevention guidelines. ### Health insurance Cross-border workers must ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage that includes prevention and treatment of tick-borne diseases. In Switzerland, health insurance is mandatory and covers major illnesses, but it's important to check the details of your policy to be prepared in case of need. ### Comparison with the previous situation In recent years, rising temperatures have favored the spread of ticks to higher altitudes. This means that areas previously considered safe may now be at risk. Cross-border workers should be aware of this change and adopt adequate preventive measures. ## Recommended tools For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparat...
Punti chiave
What to do in case of a tick bite If you get bitten by a tick, it's important to act promptly. Here's a step-by-step procedure to remove the tick and monitor any symptoms: 1. Removing the tick: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out with a steady, even motion. Do not crush the tick and do not use liquids to remove it. 2. Disinfection: Disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic. 3. Monitoring symptoms: Monitor for any symptoms in the following days, such as migrating erythema, fever, muscle or joint pain. 4. Medical consultation: If symptoms develop, consult a doctor immediately for an evaluation and possible treatment. ### Vaccination For tick-borne meningoencephalitis, vaccination is recommended for those who engage in outdoor activities in high-risk areas. The vaccination is effective and can prevent the disease. It's important to follow the vaccination schedule and consult your doctor for more information. ### Useful tools For cross-border workers who want to learn more about the prevention and treatment of tick-borne diseases, you can consult the risk calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool can help you assess your risk and adopt adequate preventive measures. ### Conclusion The increase in tick bites in Switzerland requires greater attention and awareness, especially for cross-border workers who work and live in Ticino. Adopting preventive measures, monitoring any symptoms, and consulting a doctor if necessary are fundamental steps to protect yourself from these diseases. Source: rsi.ch
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?","a":"Initial symptoms of Lyme disease include a red patch on the skin, known as erythema migrans, which appears three days to three or four weeks after the bite. If left untreated, the disease can affect other organs such as the joints or the heart."},{"q":"How can you prevent tick bites?","a":"To prevent tick bites, it is advisable to wear covering clothing and use specific repellents during outdoor activities. It is important to remove the tick as soon as possible in case of a bite."},{"q":"Where is tick-borne meningoencephalitis present in Switzerland?","a":"Tick-borne meningoencephalitis is present in various regions of Switzerland, but not yet in Ticino. It is important to consult a doctor to assess the need for vaccination, especially if you engage in outdoor activities in other Swiss regions or in Italy."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
- Initial symptoms of Lyme disease include a red patch on the skin, known as erythema migrans, which appears three days to three or four weeks after the bite. If left untreated, the disease can affect other organs such as the joints or the heart.
- How can you prevent tick bites?
- To prevent tick bites, it is advisable to wear covering clothing and use specific repellents during outdoor activities. It is important to remove the tick as soon as possible in case of a bite.
- Where is tick-borne meningoencephalitis present in Switzerland?
- Tick-borne meningoencephalitis is present in various regions of Switzerland, but not yet in Ticino. It is important to consult a doctor to assess the need for vaccination, especially if you engage in outdoor activities in other Swiss regions or in Italy.