The tick season has begun and with it the risk of being infected with tick-borne diseases.

The Swedish tick season usually runs from March to November, but they are most active between April and mid-June.

There is therefore reason to be extra vigilant in forests and land in the coming time - mainly in southern Sweden.

Last year, several vaccinators experienced that the population waited with the TBE vaccination to avoid a collision with the covid-19 syringe.

- Therefore, we see a tendency for increased interest this year, now that the focus has shifted from the pandemic, says Axel Fernö, doctor at the Vaccine Group.

Record number of TBE cases last year

In 2021, a record increase in TBE cases was reported in the country.

There are several explanations - partly due to a more favorable climate, but also because the number of host animals has increased.

There are also theories that the pandemic has contributed to more people simply staying out in Swedish nature.

Ahead of this year's season, they have therefore wanted to increase public awareness of the TBE risk.

- I think more people have opened their eyes to how important it is.

The risk areas are spreading and therefore more people are now affected than before, says Axel Fernö.

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Hear Professor Johan Sanmartin Berglund's best tips on how to protect yourself against ticks and TBE.

Photo: Kyrre Lien / SCANPIX NORWAY