NPHC: Nature Is Waking Up – and So Are Ticks
Specialists from the National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (NPHC) remind the public that in spring, ticks that spread dangerous diseases—tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease—wake up from their winter dormancy. During winter, ticks remain hidden in forest litter beneath the snow, but once the air temperature rises to about 4–5 °C, they begin to become active.
People should stay alert when the average daily temperature reaches around 5–7 °C, as these conditions are enough for ticks to become active. When planning time outdoors, it is advisable to take preventive measures in advance: get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis and remember the basic precautions.
“Many people believe ticks are only active in summer, but in reality they start moving much earlier—as soon as the weather becomes warmer. That is why protection against ticks should become a routine part of spring and summer trips to nature,” says Milda Žygutienė, Chief Specialist of the Communicable Diseases Management Division at NPHC.
Tick-borne diseases are different
People most often become infected with tick-borne diseases—Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis—after being bitten by an infected tick. It is also important to know that tick-borne encephalitis can be contracted by consuming unpasteurized goat’s or cow’s milk and dairy products if they are contaminated with the virus.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a serious viral disease that can leave lasting effects, sometimes severe. It usually begins with fever, headache, weakness, chills, nausea, and in rare cases diarrhoea. These symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after infection.
The condition may temporarily improve, but a second phase of the illness often follows: a high fever develops, the virus affects the central nervous system, and inflammation of the brain may occur. After a tick bite, it is recommended to monitor your health for up to 30 days.
According to NPHC data, 642 cases of tick-borne encephalitis were recorded in Lithuania in 2025, compared with 807 cases in 2024.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria of the Borrelia genus. Infection occurs when infected tick nymphs or adult ticks attach to a person. The disease has three stages.
The first stage usually begins a few days or weeks (most often about 10 days) after the bacteria enter the body. A localized skin inflammation known as erythema migrans—a spreading red rash—appears.
The second stage may develop several months or even years after the rash appears. During this period, the nervous system, heart, joints, or skin may be affected. In the late (chronic) stage, these conditions can continue to progress.
“It is important to understand that Lyme disease is not a viral infection—it is caused by bacteria, and there is currently no vaccine against it. In addition, immunity after the illness is short-term, so people can become infected again,” the NPHC representative notes.
According to NPHC data, 15,438 cases of Lyme disease were recorded in Lithuania in 2025; in 2024, there were 15,264 cases.
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is available year-round
Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended for all residents of Lithuania and for visitors to the country, especially those who frequently spend time outdoors.
There are two vaccination schedules: the standard schedule and an accelerated one. Under the standard schedule, the first two doses are given 1–3 months apart, while the interval for the third and subsequent booster doses depends on the vaccine manufacturer and is indicated in the vaccine information leaflet. After a full course of three doses, reliable protection develops.
If you do not remember when you were last vaccinated, you can check this information in the national e-health portal or by contacting the healthcare facility where you were vaccinated. Protection after the third dose usually lasts 3–5 years, after which booster doses are needed.
Since 9 December 2025, people aged 50–60 in Lithuania can receive vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis free of charge, funded by the state.
If you are not in this age group, you can still get vaccinated at your own expense in healthcare or other facilities where vaccinations are provided, such as pharmacies.
How else can you protect yourself?
To reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases when working or relaxing outdoors, it is recommended to dress appropriately: wear light-colored, close-fitting clothing with long sleeves, tuck trousers into socks or shoes, and wear a head covering. It is also advisable to use repellents (chemical substances that repel ticks) and regularly check your clothes for crawling ticks.
“The sooner a tick is noticed and removed, the lower the risk of contracting Lyme disease. After spending time in nature, it is important to carefully check the entire body—especially the armpits, groin, neck, and scalp. It is also important to know that even if an infected tick attaches, the Lyme disease bacterium is not always transmitted. If the disease develops, it is treated with antibiotics. However, if someone becomes infected with the tick-borne encephalitis virus, there are no effective preventive measures after a tick bite—only monitoring of health,” the NPHC specialist explains.
If a spreading reddish patch appears on the skin after a tick bite, or if you develop fever, headaches, muscle pain, or general weakness, you should consult a doctor and mention the tick bite.
Last updated: 13-03-2026
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