Ticks are becoming increasingly prevalent in Switzerland and, due to rising temperatures, are active year-round. These developments are reflected in a higher number of tick bite cases, which should not be underestimated: ticks can transmit Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Possible consequences of these diseases include inflammation of the meninges, cranial nerves, or the brain itself. In severe cases, permanent brain damage may occur. According to estimates by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), there are around 10,000 new Lyme disease cases and between 100 to 400 new TBE cases each year in Switzerland.
The extent to which a single tick bite can turn life upside down is vividly illustrated by the story of Katrin F. Two years ago, she suffered from meningitis and encephalitis due to a tick bite; she was not vaccinated against TBE. The illness impaired essential brain functions, making returning to her previous job in education impossible. She now requires four hours of rest daily, distributed throughout the day, and a structured routine. She explains:
"According to Christine Miserandino's so-called spoon theory, healthy people have 40 energy spoons available each day. I have twelve."
Besides the invisibility of her impairment, uncertainty poses a major challenge for her: no one can predict if her condition will improve or if she will ever be able to work again.
Prevention is important.
With the prevention campaign 'Small but Dangerous: Ticks Can Attack the Brain,' FRAGILE Suisse aims to highlight the possible consequences of tick bites to prevent severe disease courses and fates like that of Katrin F. as much as possible. The patient organisation recommends, among other things, the following measures:
- Wear long clothing outdoors.
- Use tick repellents.
- Check the body for ticks after spending time in nature.
- Quickly remove ticks.
- Get vaccinated against TBE.
More information is available at www.fragile.ch/zecken.
Further information about the campaign 'Protect Your Brain – Protect Your Life!': www.fragile.ch/schuetzedeinhirn/
Media contact:
Viviane Kauflin-Lyoth
Head of Communication, Marketing, and Fundraising
FRAGILE Suisse
Badenerstrasse 696
8048 Zurich
Email: kauflin@fragile.ch
Phone: 044 360 30 69
Various experts and affected individuals are available for interviews upon request. We look forward to hearing from you.