Climate change affects more than just air temperature. Warmer winters and longer warm seasons create conditions that can support the spread of some disease vectors, including ticks and mosquitoes.
In August 2026, Reuters reported that Bavarian Nordic had observed an increase in the spread of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in some regions of Europe. According to the company's CEO, the number of regions in Germany considered at risk for TBE is increasing year by year. Similar changes are also being observed in some Northern European countries. (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)
At the same time, it is important to understand that this does not mean that every trip outdoors automatically carries a high risk of infection. The risk depends on the specific region, the type of tick, and the infection it may carry.
What about Georgia?
Georgia is not considered a region where tick-borne encephalitis is widely prevalent. However, ticks are present in the country, so the risk of tick-borne infections should not be completely ignored.
In particular, the presence of Borrelia and Rickettsia bacteria in ticks has been studied in Georgia, which means that depending on the circumstances, a tick bite may warrant an assessment of the risk of tick-borne infections. (OJPHI)
For people in Georgia, the most important measures are preventing tick bites and promptly assessing the situation after a bite.
Why is it important to protect yourself from ticks?
Most tick bites do not result in illness. However, some ticks can transmit infections, including Lyme borreliosis and other bacterial diseases.
Therefore, when walking in forests, mountains, tall grass, or other areas where contact with ticks is possible, it is important to:
- use insect repellent
- wear clothing that covers the skin
- check your skin and hair after spending time outdoors
- check children and pets
- remove a tick as soon as possible if you find one
What about vaccination?
Vaccination is available for some tick-borne infections. For example, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is used in regions where the disease is endemic and the risk of infection is sufficiently high. (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control)
However, vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis does not protect against Lyme borreliosis or other infections that can be transmitted by ticks. Therefore, even vaccinated people should continue to take measures to prevent tick bites.
Key message
The distribution of disease vectors is changing along with the climate, making prevention increasingly important.
For people living in Georgia, this primarily means remembering to protect yourself from tick bites when spending time outdoors and knowing what to do if you are bitten.
If you find a tick attached to your skin, or develop redness, fever, weakness, or other unusual symptoms after a bite, it is best to consult a doctor and mention the tick bite.
If you are planning to travel to a region where tick-borne encephalitis is common, vaccination should be discussed in advance — ideally before the trip.