Typhus fever in Germany: A tropical tick infected a man in North Rhine-Westphalia. The University of Hohenheim examined her and found that the pathogen had settled in her body. This clearly proves that the tick of the Hyalomma genus transmitted the dangerous virus. Parasitologists warn doctors and patients about this and advise them to pay attention to the symptoms, especially in the summer and autumn months.
Typhus fever in Germany: The Hyalomma tick has successfully established itself in Germany
The tick of the Hyalomma genus comes from Africa and Asia. In recent years, migratory birds have brought it to southern Europe, where it has successfully settled. Nowadays it is widespread in Turkey, Greece and Italy, among other places. It was found for the first time in Germany three years ago. Last year over 30 ticks were found, this year over 50. The researchers suspect that the tick has already overwintered in Germany and will multiply in the coming years.
The Hyalomma tick has striped legs typical of the genus. It is called the giant tick nationwide because it can reach a length of over 1.5 cm. It can transmit both typhus and Crimean-Congo fever. In Turkey, for example, over 10,000 Crimean-Congo cases were registered last year. The researchers doubted that the tick was also dangerous for people in Germanyinfect diseasescan. But it has now been confirmed that it is relevant as a disease vector. People who have close contact with farm animals are particularly at risk.
How dangerous is the disease actually?
People and animals are only infected by ticks. The disease is now widespread in tropical areas. Typical symptoms are fever, joint and muscle pain. The red patchy rash is why the disease is sometimes confused with typhoid fever. Those affected are treated with antibiotics to prevent further infections such as life-threatening meningitis and heart muscle inflammation.
