Norway reports significant increase in Lyme borreliosis cases

Preliminary data from the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (MSIS) shows a significant increase in Lyme borreliosis cases through August. There have been 457 recorded cases so far this year, representing a 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year and a 74 percent increase compared to 2022.

Professor Randi Eikeland, a neurologist and leader of the National Center for Tick-Borne Diseases, suggests that a warm spring and favorable weather conditions have boosted both tick activity and human exposure in nature. While the MSIS figures require further verification before the final report is released next year, experts believe the data indicates a new peak in infections.

The tick-borne disease center has also reported a record number of inquiries through its ‘Flåttsjekk’ rash-checking service. Although infection rates have risen steadily over the last 20 years, experts note this may be due to a combination of increased tick populations and higher public awareness of the disease.