In 2024, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), a total of 24 people died in Germany due to the consequences of tick bites. Fifteen of these deaths were attributed to Lyme borreliosis, and nine were linked to Frühsommer-Meningoenzephalitis (FSME). This represents a slight increase compared to the previous year, which saw ten deaths from Lyme borreliosis and nine from FSME.
Regarding treatments, over 4,830 hospitalizations due to Lyme borreliosis were recorded in 2024. This figure is lower than the average seen between 2004 and 2024, when the average annual number of hospital admissions for Lyme borreliosis was close to 6,270. Lyme borreliosis stems from a bacterial infection, and the best protection remains preventing tick bites, as no vaccine is currently available for the disease.
For FSME, just under 850 patients required inpatient care in 2024. This rate is significantly higher than the average recorded between 2004 and 2024, when the average annual hospitalizations for FSME were nearly 490. FSME is caused by viruses, leading to inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes. Individuals who spend time in FSME-risk areas or frequently in natural outdoor environments are considered particularly vulnerable. According to the Federal Institute for Public Health (BIÖG), protection against FSME can be achieved by avoiding tick bites and through vaccination.
