Central Europe Lyme disease increase

In late July 2026, health officials in South Bohemia, Czech Republic, reported a historic surge in Lyme disease, with 467 confirmed cases to date and projections of more than 1,000 cases for the year—levels not seen in decades. The rise was linked to a new electronic reporting system and a higher proportion of infected rodents, while tick‑borne encephalitis cases fell slightly.

A week later, Polish health authorities announced a sharp escalation of Lyme disease across the country, recording 2,939 new infections in the past month and a cumulative total of 7,448 cases for 2026. They noted that tick activity now begins at temperatures as low as 5‑7 °C, extending the period of risk. Poland also reported a four‑fold increase in hepatitis A cases, tied to food‑service venues and prompting intensified inspections and vaccination efforts. Together, the reports indicate a widening regional surge in tick‑borne disease risk across Central Europe.