As temperatures rise, it is not only the appeal of spending time outdoors that increases in Spain, but also the risk posed by ticks. Nurses and health experts are warning of a rise in tick bites and reminding people that these small parasites can transmit various diseases. The risk of coming into contact with ticks increases significantly during the warmer months, when many people go hiking, take walks or spend time in rural areas.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Ticks are increasingly becoming a significant health concern in Spain. While not every bite automatically leads to illness, certain tick species can transmit dangerous pathogens. Health organisations therefore recommend taking preventive measures seriously and carefully checking the body after spending time in areas where ticks may be present.
Why tick numbers are increasing in Spain
The spread of ticks is being encouraged by several factors. Experts see a link between rising temperatures, milder winters and environmental changes. Longer periods of warm weather allow ticks to remain active for longer and expand into new areas. Changes in the landscape and an increasing number of wild animals also play a role, as animals such as deer and wild boar serve as natural hosts for ticks.
For a long time, ticks were mainly associated with rural areas, forests and agricultural regions. However, experts now point out that these parasites can also be found in green spaces near urban areas, parks and gardens. This means that it is not only hikers or people living in rural areas who are affected, but potentially anyone who spends time outdoors.
Tick bites often go unnoticed
One particular challenge is that tick bites often go unnoticed at first. Ticks can remain attached to the skin for an extended period of time without the person affected immediately noticing the bite. This is partly because ticks can release substances that make the bite area less sensitive.
Ticks often seek out warm and protected areas of the body. These include, among others, the backs of the knees, armpits, groin area, the area behind the ears and the hairline. After spending time outdoors, it is therefore important to check not only clothing but also the skin thoroughly for any ticks.
What diseases can ticks transmit?
For medical professionals, the main concern is not the bite itself, but the potential infections that can result from it. Ticks can transmit various pathogens, including bacterial and viral diseases.
One of the best-known diseases transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease (borreliosis). It can be recognised by symptoms such as a characteristic skin rash, fatigue, fever or joint problems. If the disease is detected early, it can often be treated effectively.
Another disease reported in Spain is Mediterranean spotted fever (Fiebre exantemática mediterránea). In addition, rarer but more serious infections, such as Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, are being closely monitored by health authorities.
People in natural areas are particularly at risk
The risk of a tick bite is particularly high in areas with tall vegetation, bushes or grassy areas. Ticks often remain on plants and can attach themselves to passing people or animals from there.
Those particularly at risk include people who regularly spend time outdoors, such as hikers, farmers, forestry workers or pet owners. However, even a walk through a park or garden can be enough to come into contact with a tick.
How people in Spain can protect themselves
The most important measure against tick bites is prevention. Experts recommend wearing long clothing when spending time in natural areas and covering the arms and legs whenever possible. Light-coloured clothing can help make ticks easier to spot.
Suitable insect repellents can also help reduce the risk. After an outdoor trip, clothing, shoes and the entire body should be checked carefully. Pet owners should also be aware that dogs and cats can bring ticks into the home.
What to do if you have been bitten by a tick
If a tick is found, it should be removed as quickly and carefully as possible. Special tick removal tools or fine tweezers are suitable for this purpose. It is important to remove the tick slowly and as close to the skin as possible.
Experts advise against using home remedies such as oil or alcohol, as these methods can irritate the tick. After removal, the bite area should be monitored for several days. If symptoms such as fever, unusual skin changes or severe discomfort occur, medical advice should be sought.
Spain steps up monitoring of tick-borne diseases
Spanish health authorities are increasingly focusing on monitoring diseases transmitted by ticks. The Ministry of Health has published guidelines for the detection and treatment of such illnesses in order to ensure early diagnosis and improve medical care.
For residents and visitors to Spain, however, this development does not mean that time spent outdoors should be avoided. Simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk. Especially during the hot summer months, the advice is clear: those who check themselves carefully after outdoor activities and remove any ticks quickly can effectively protect themselves against possible consequences.
