# Central Europe Lyme disease increase

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/central-europe-lyme-disease-increase
> Updated: 2026-08-02T16:58:55.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Poland reports sharp rise in Lyme disease and hepatitis A cases

Poland sees a 65 % jump in Lyme disease cases and a four‑fold increase in hepatitis A, prompting health warnings and tighter food‑service inspections.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-reports-sharp-rise-in-lyme-disease-and-hepatitis-a-cases

### 2026-07-27: South Bohemia records historic surge in Lyme disease cases

South Bohemia health officials report 467 Lyme disease cases this year, 143 up on last year, likely to exceed 1,000 annually; rise linked to better reporting and more infected rodents.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-bohemia-records-historic-surge-in-lyme-disease-cases

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Cite as: Central Europe Lyme disease increase. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/central-europe-lyme-disease-increase