Keep in mind the following when you are in a high-risk area:
Wear clothing that covers the entire body.
Ticks live on the ground, so children are more vulnerable because of their size and should wear something to cover their heads.
Use an anti-tick spray on shoes and the parts of the body that come into contact with grass and bushes.
Protect your dog or cat with an anti-tick product. Stay on wide paths and avoid contact with grass and bushes.
Check your clothing and uncovered body regularly; light-coloured clothing makes it easier to find ticks.
Check body and clothes for ticks at home. Check children’s heads especially carefully, and also pets. Ticks can suck blood anywhere on the body: they like warm, moist and thin areas of skin such as the back of the knees, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, neck and armpits. In children, ticks sometimes even sit at the hairline.
Please note: If you live in a risk area, a vaccination against meningitis (TBE) may be worthwhile. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.