< Back to situations

Monitor this situation.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [HEALTH]

2 clusters · 3 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated

Lyme borreliosis trends in Europe

Overview

Recent data from Austria and Norway highlight the prevalence and rising trends of Lyme borreliosis, a disease caused by Borrelia bacteria transmitted via tick bites.

A study in Austria indicates that approximately 20,000 people require medical treatment for the disease annually, with roughly 900 resulting in hospitalizations. Because the condition is not a reportable disease in Austria, the true scale of infections was previously uncertain. The study identified regional hotspots in Carinthia and Burgenland, noting that the disease is most prevalent during July and August.

In Norway, preliminary data from the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases shows a significant increase in cases. As of August, 457 cases have been recorded, marking a 14 percent increase from the previous year and a 74 percent increase compared to 2022. Experts attribute these rising numbers to favorable weather conditions boosting tick activity, as well as increased public awareness.

Entities

Randi Eikeland · International Journal of Infectious Diseases · MSIS · Valneva · Pfizer

Timeline

  1. 15 days ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Norway reports significant increase in Lyme borreliosis cases

    Norway has seen a 14 percent increase in Lyme borreliosis cases compared to last year, with 457 cases recorded through August, according to preliminary MSIS data.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Austria sees 20,000 annual Lyme borreliosis cases

    A study shows approximately 20,000 people in Austria are treated for Lyme borreliosis annually, with 900 requiring hospitalization, highlighting the significant impact of tick-borne diseases in the region.

Sources

fjordabladet.no · inyheter.no · rbnett.no