Ticks in woodland: preventing bites during an outing

Understand a changing risk

The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health states that ticks occur in many regions, including at higher elevations, and that activity varies with conditions. Risk cannot be reduced to summer or one map. Consult current official information and, when appropriate, discuss vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis with a health professional.

Reduce exposure while walking

Prefer wider paths, avoid contact with grass and bushes where possible, wear covering clothes and use an appropriate repellent according to its instructions. These measures do not make an area risk-free. Keep them in place during short walks and stops at woodland edges.

Check after returning

After the walk, inspect clothes and the whole body carefully, including less visible areas. Carry out this check promptly and follow official advice for children or other people in the group. A complete check supports preventive measures taken outside, but does not replace them.

• Read current FOPH information.
• Wear covering clothing.
• Check body and clothes after returning.
• Seek medical advice if symptoms appear.

Respond after a bite

The FOPH recommends removing a tick promptly with suitable tweezers and disinfecting the area. Seek medical advice if fever, a skin rash or another symptom appears after a bite. This guide is not medical advice and should not be used to interpret symptoms. Review regional advice when the area or season changes. Record the bite date.