Swiss ticks are found to be more hazardous than previously thought, according to a UZH study.

Ticks in Switzerland can make you sick, says a new study from the University of Zurich. The study looked at over 10,000 ticks from 10 different areas in Switzerland and found that 77.2% of them carry diseases. Even in urban areas, 83.9% of ticks were found to be carrying some form of illness.

According to University of Zurich virologist Cornel Fraefel, almost every tick can potentially make you sick, and they were surprised by how many ticks had bacteria in them. Some ticks even had multiple pathogens at the same time.

The study also discovered that 4.2% of Swiss ticks carry the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus, which can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and nausea. In some cases, TBE can lead to brain inflammation and neurological symptoms.

Ticks are found throughout Switzerland, including in the mountains, but they prefer areas below 2,000 meters above sea level. Ticino and Geneva are the only cantons not considered TBE risk areas.

The most common bacteria found in Swiss ticks come from the Rickettsia group, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches. Lyme disease-carrying Borrelia was found in 8.2% of ticks in urban areas and 1.9% in rural regions. A newly discovered virus, the Alongshan virus (ALSV), was found in 7.6% of ticks analyzed. Its impact on public health in Switzerland is still uncertain.

Ticks are most active in spring and summer, preferring warm and wet weather. They lurk in tall grass, meadows, forests, and verges, waiting for passing humans and animals. To protect against tick bites, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers and use insect repellent when outdoors. After being outdoors, check yourself, your pets, and your family for ticks.

If you find a tick, don’t panic. Use tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible, apply steady upward pressure until it’s removed, wash the bite area thoroughly, and dispose of the tick without crushing it. If you develop a rash or fever within three weeks of tick removal, see a doctor.