Germany Sees Significant Rise in Tick-Borne FSME Cases

The number of FSME infections has increased by nearly 30% this year, with low vaccination rates contributing to the surge.

Germany has reported 582 cases of Frühsommer-Meningoenzephalitis (FSME) this year, an increase of 145 cases compared to last year.
FSME is transmitted through tick bites and can cause severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Vaccination rates remain low, with only about 19% of people in risk areas vaccinated as of 2020.
High-risk areas include Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, parts of Hesse, Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg.
Lyme borreliosis cases have also risen, with 9,730 cases reported this year across Germany.