The 2026 Guide to Czech Ticks: Encephalitis, Lyme, and When to Panic

Spring is officially arriving in Prague. The days are getting longer, and we are all eager to trade our winter coats for hiking boots and weekend trips to the countryside.

But before you head into the Czech forests—or even just sit in the grass at Stromovka—you need to be aware of a tiny, local danger: the tick.

Many expats are surprised to learn that the Czech Republic consistently ranks among the countries with the highest rates of tick-borne diseases in Europe. In fact, 2025 saw a ten-year record high for tick-related infections across the country.

If you are new to the region, you might be familiar with Lyme disease, but there is a second, highly prevalent threat you need to know about. Here is your clear, no-panic guide to navigating tick season in Czechia.

1. The Two Threats: Lyme vs. Encephalitis

Not all ticks carry disease, but those that do in Central Europe generally transmit one of two illnesses. It is crucial to understand the difference between them.

• Lyme Disease (Borreliosis): This is a bacterial infection. A common early warning sign is a red, expanding "bullseye" rash around the bite, though this rash does not appear for everyone. There is currently no human vaccine for Lyme disease. However, the good news is that if you catch it early, it is highly treatable with a standard course of antibiotics.

• Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE): This is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system and the brain. It often starts with flu-like symptoms but can progress to severe complications, including long-term memory loss, paralysis, or chronic fatigue. There is no cure or targeted treatment for TBE; doctors can only treat the symptoms. However, unlike Lyme disease, TBE is entirely preventable with a highly effective vaccine.

2. Tick Season Starts Earlier Than You Think

You don't need to wait for the hot summer months to be at risk. Ticks wake up and become active as soon as outdoor temperatures rise above 5°C. With recent mild winters, tick activity is now frequently recorded as early as February and March.

Furthermore, you don't need to be deep in a rural forest to get bitten. Ticks live in tall grass and bushes, meaning they are commonly found in Prague's city parks, gardens, and along riverbanks.

3. What to Do If You Get Bitten

If you find a tick attached to your skin, do not panic, but do not ignore it.

• Remove it safely: Use fine-tipped tweezers or a special tick card. Grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Never touch the tick with your bare hands, and avoid old myths like smothering it in oil or burning it.

• Disinfect and monitor: Clean the bite area thoroughly with a local disinfectant. Watch the site for the next few weeks. If you develop a rash or start feeling flu-like symptoms (fever, joint pain, extreme fatigue), seek medical attention immediately.

• Don't wait for symptoms to get vaccinated: Because TBE has no cure, your best defense is the vaccine. The basic vaccination schedule requires three doses, but getting your first shot now will initiate your immunity for the upcoming peak season.

Enjoy the Czech Outdoors Safely

You shouldn't let the fear of ticks keep you trapped indoors. By wearing repellent, checking your body after walks, and getting vaccinated, you can enjoy everything the beautiful Czech spring and summer have to offer.

📅 Don't wait until the peak of summer. Book your Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccination or a consultation with our English-speaking doctors today

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