Borreliosis, also known as Lyme disease, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Most cases of Borreliosis can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. No vaccine against Borreliosis is currently available.
The information sheet is mainly intended for people living in endemic areas who have been bitten by (a) tick(s) so as to inform them primarily about the symptoms that they have to be aware of.(Adaptable templates available)
This species is a known persistent biter of humans. It is suspected of having contributed to malaria transmission in the past and has been shown to be a competent vector of both tropical and Eurasian strains of malaria.
Remains widespread in Europe, mostly coastal but also found in freshwater habitats. Implicated as a key vector of malaria during the twentieth century.
Endemic to Japan, north-eastern China, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and parts of Russia, a vector for Japanese encephalitis virus in parts of Russia.
Although not an important arboviral vector, can be competent vector for West Nile virus, La Crosse virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Saint Louis encephalitis virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus.
Ixodes ricinus are sensitive to climatic conditions, requiring a relative humidity of 80%, they are primarily observed across Europe in deciduous woodland and mixed forest.