Concern about rabies: "Individuals can rest assured"

Concern about rabies: "Individuals can rest assured"

Rise in Tularemia Cases in Berlin: What You Need to Know

Berlin, a city known for its vibrant culture and history, is currently experiencing an increase in Tularemia cases, a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This disease, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, is more commonly associated with wild rodents, rabbits, and occasionally birds, with ticks serving as one of several possible vectors.

In the past few years, Berlin has reported four cases of Tularemia. The first cases were reported in 2021, followed by one case in 2022, and three cases each in 2023 and 2024. However, it's important to note that the actual number of cases is likely higher due to underreporting.

One of the infected individuals in Berlin had the transmission of Tularemia confirmed through ticks. Unfortunately, one person infected with Tularemia was hospitalized but has since been discharged. Remarkably, human deaths from Tularemia are very rare, even without treatment.

The current cases in Berlin might be linked to increased tick activity. Ticks can transmit the Tularemia disease, but it's essential to understand that transmission through ticks in Berlin is considered rare.

To prevent infection from tick-borne Tularemia in Berlin or similar temperate urban environments, the key precautions include:

1. Avoiding tick habitats: Steer clear of grassy, wooded, and brushy areas, especially during spring and summer when ticks are most active.
2. Using tick repellents: Apply tick repellents on skin and clothing, preferably those containing DEET or permethrin-treated clothing.
3. Wearing protective clothing: Opt for long sleeves, long pants, and tuck them into socks or boots to reduce skin exposure.
4. Performing regular tick checks: Conduct regular checks on the body, clothing, and pets after potential exposure to tick habitats.
5. Prompt and proper tick removal: Remove ticks using fine-tipped tweezers to minimize pathogen transmission.
6. Staying informed: Stay updated about local tick activity and any public health advisories related to Tularemia or other tick-borne infections.

While Tularemia exposure from ticks in Berlin is uncommon, standard tick bite prevention measures are recommended to reduce risk given the presence of Francisella tularensis in nature.

Infections can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, malaise, headache, or body aches. Occasionally, infected individuals may develop meningitis or sepsis. However, it's important to note that lung infections are less common in Tularemia.

It's worth mentioning that no infected animals from Berlin have been reported to the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI) this year. Tularemia affects various small mammals like rabbits, hares, and mice. Sick or dead animals might be eaten by other animals before a hunter sees them.

Despite the recent increase in Tularemia cases, it's unclear if the infection contributed to the death of the person reported in 2015, as they were over 75 years old and had serious underlying conditions. Rabbits often do not survive the infection, but the European subtype holarctica of Tularemia often resolves spontaneously in humans.

In conclusion, while the rise in Tularemia cases in Berlin is a concern, it's crucial to remember that standard precautions can help reduce the risk of infection. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the city's offerings responsibly.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Tularemia. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tularemia/index.html [3] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2022). Tularemia. Retrieved from https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-topics/tularemia

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14. Implementing strategies like avoiding tick habitats, using tick repellents, and wearing protective clothing can serve as an effective line of defense.
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18. The Federations Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI) plays a vital role in monitoring animal health and identifying potential disease outbreaks.
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