With the arrival of spring, ticks in southern Finland and Åland Islands have become active again, as noted by the University of Turku in a recent announcement. The tick season commenced in March and will continue moving northward with the melting of the snow and rising temperatures. This resurgence signals the beginning of heightened risks for diseases carried by ticks.

Ticks are known to transmit bacterial Lyme disease and viral tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). As the tick season progresses, researchers are urging citizens to report any ticks they find to the University of Turku for study. This is part of an effort to better understand the prevalence and impact of tick-borne pathogens in the region.

According to tick researcher, Dr. Jani Sormunen, about one in five ticks can carry Borrelia bacteria during the early spring. However, the peak activity of ticks typically occurs from May to June and again from August to September, indicating that the risk for diseases is significantly higher during these months. Public awareness and monitoring are crucial in managing the potential health threats posed by ticks in Finland.