"Climate Change Linked to Surge in Tick-Borne Illnesses"

Cases of tick-borne illnesses, including tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), are increasing due to climate change, according to experts. As temperatures rise and winters become milder, ticks are becoming more active and spreading diseases earlier in the year. TBE, a potentially deadly disease, has quickly spread to new regions, including the United Kingdom, as a result of global warming. The number of overwintering ticks is increasing, leading to more contact between infected ticks and humans. TBE cases have been rising in Europe and northern Asia, with an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 cases each year. The true caseload could be higher due to underreporting, and survivors of severe TBE often experience lingering neurological problems. Vaccine uptake is low in regions where the virus is new, and experts emphasize the need for a new vaccine offering higher protection against the virus. The growing prevalence of tick-borne diseases highlights the dangers posed by climate change.