Slovenia reports sharp rise in Lyme disease cases as health authorities urge tick‑bite protection

The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) recorded 1,311 reported cases of Lyme disease in Slovenia during June, a substantial increase from 820 cases in the same period last year. The institute attributes the surge to heightened tick activity and more people spending time outdoors.

NIJZ has called on the public to take preventive measures, recommending bright clothing that covers most of the body, the use of repellents, and thorough body checks after visiting forests, grasslands or other green areas. It advises removing attached ticks promptly with fine‑pointed tweezers, avoiding twisting motions, and not applying oils or creams. While no vaccine exists for Lyme disease, a vaccine is available against tick‑borne meningoencephalitis.

The agency stresses that early recognition of symptoms, such as a expanding red rash at the bite site, is crucial for successful treatment.