The number of reported Lyme disease cases in Saxony has risen sharply in 2025. By the cut-off date of December 29, 2,623 infections had been registered in the state. This is around 1,000 cases more than in the previous year (1,626 cases), according to the weekly epidemiological reports of the State Investigation Institute (LUA). In 2023, 1,484 cases were recorded.
In addition, 47 cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) were recorded last year. In the previous year, 63 cases had been recorded - a significant increase compared to 2023 with 34 cases.
Ticks can transmit disease
Lyme disease and TBE can be transmitted by ticks. There is a vaccination against TBE, while Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.
TBE begins with flu-like symptoms, and later nervous system failures are also possible. Lyme disease can cause fatigue, loss of performance, concentration problems, muscle and joint pain and fever. In addition, the skin often reddens in a circle around the site of the tick bite. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to inflammation of the joints, heart muscle and nerves.
The tick season in Germany lasts roughly from March to September, depending on the temperatures. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), ticks are active from a temperature of around six degrees.
Increased numbers in other federal states too
Other federal states have also reported increased Lyme disease numbers for 2025. In Berlin, epidemiologists counted 1,406 cases by mid-December - more than ever before since the start of mandatory laboratory reporting in 2013. In Bavaria, 5,469 cases of Lyme disease were reported by mid-December. That was around 1,500 more than in the same period last year.
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