Ticks during hiking in Sweden

Where can you find ticks in Sweden?

Due to the gradual warming of the climate, ticks are moving further north. Over the past ten years, ticks have traveled 300 kilometers north and can now also be found in Sweden. Ticks pose a significant danger especially in southern Sweden. Those carrying the Borrelia bacterium, which can cause Lyme disease, can be found everywhere; but Sweden also harbors ticks that can infect humans with Tick-borne Encephalitis. The risk of contracting this disease from a tick bite is highest in the south and around the capital, Stockholm. This is also true for popular holiday destinations Gotland and Öland.

Tick-borne Encephalitis / TBE chiefly in Southern Sweden

Each year, an average of about 200 people in Sweden are infected with Tick-borne Encephalitis, also known as TBE. This disease is a brain inflammation. About a week after being bitten, symptoms such as fever and flu can occur. One in three infected individuals also develops meningitis, often accompanied by headache, dizziness, and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back. There is no treatment, however, there is a vaccine. Many residents of Sweden get vaccinated against this disease.