Tick-borne disease cases surge in Czech Republic

More than 1,300 cases of Lyme disease have been recorded in the first quarter of this year, over three times higher than in the same period last year, according to data from the State Health Institute.

Tick-borne diseases have been on the rise in recent years. By the end of July last year, the number of cases had reached a ten-year high. More than 3,000 people were infected with Lyme disease and 372 with tick-borne encephalitis. For the full year, over 11,000 Lyme disease cases and more than 700 encephalitis cases were reported.

The Czech Republic remains among the countries with the highest incidence of tick-borne diseases in Europe, with higher rates recorded only in the Baltic states. Experts say climate change is a contributing factor, as ticks remain active for longer periods and are spreading to higher altitudes.