Hiking in the Swiss Alps – info about ticks
Sgileski is planning a 10-day trip to Switzerland, spending time in Lucerne and the Grindelwald/Lauterbrunnen areas. They are concerned about ticks while hiking, especially regarding Lyme disease. It's advised to take precautions like wearing repellent and checking for ticks after hikes.
- Wear long trousers and use tick repellent when hiking to prevent tick bites.
- Check yourself and your companions carefully after hiking, especially near forests and lakes.
- Ticks are more common at lower altitudes, so stay aware while hiking in those areas.
- The Swiss Travel Pass can be a great option for unlimited travel on trains and buses during your stay.
AI-generated summary-
We will be arriving for a 10 day stay, briefly in Lucerne and for the balance of the trip in the Grindelwald/ Laterbrunnen areas. Here in the states disease bearing ticks are always a menace while hiking. Is the same true in Switzerland?
Thanks,
Sgileski
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I’ve been hiking in the Swiss mountains for 60 years and I have never even thought about such things – with no ill effects…
So great to hear! A horrible and sad reality here in most of North America now. Lyme disease, brucilosis, and other diseases run rampant here now, especially with deer ticks (tiny)!
Thanks so much!
sgileski
I just read that sometimes as high as 50% of ticks in Switzerland are infected with Lyme disease. We are bringing tick repellent! I also read to wear light clothing and check each other carefully after hiking.
That’s an interesting question. I think it doesn’t hurt to be cautious when hiking in Switzerland and wear tick repellent. But I don’t think Lyme disease is as common in Switzerland as it is in the states. Actually I have been hiking in the U.S. for 40+ years without ill effect too. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants and I think you will be fine.
Hi Sgileski,
From what I read, tick bites are usually common at low altitude up to 1500m, generally near forest and lakes. If you’re hiking in the mountains, you should be fine. There are ways to prevent tick bites e.g. wear long trousers, use tick repellent and just making sure you give yourself a good check after each hike.
You can find further information here: http://www.ch.ch/en/health/ticks
Regards,
Anna
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