Modena health officials warn of tick presence and Lyme disease

Health authorities in the province of Modena are warning residents about the presence of ticks in various environments, including urban parks, meadows, and green spaces, not just in forests or mountainous areas. During the summer, warm and humid conditions with tall grass and shade provide favorable habitats for these parasites.

Tick bites can transmit serious illnesses, most notably Lyme disease, caused by the Borrelia bacterium. Lyme disease typically progresses through stages, beginning with a non-painful circular rash (erythema migrans) around the bite site. If untreated, the infection can spread to muscles, joints, and eventually internal organs such as the heart and the nervous system, potentially becoming chronic.

In the province of Modena, the Department of Public Health of the AUSL has recorded five cases of Lyme disease in 2025, with two of those occurring in the first half of the year. None of the affected individuals required hospitalization, and no severe cases have been reported.