Watch out for ticks: A hidden travel risk around the world

As international travel picks up speed again, there's one small but growing concern you might not have packed for: ticks.

In the dense woodlands of the Adirondack Mountains in New York State, researchers from the Adirondack Watershed Institute perform tick dragging—an essential method used to collect and monitor tick populations. Wearing full protective suits, the team surveys the forest floor to study the prevalence of ticks and track the spread of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, both of which are increasingly common in the northeastern United States. This research plays a critical role in public health preparedness and awareness. As global travel continues to grow, understanding regional tick activity and associated health risks has become more important than ever—not only for residents and outdoor enthusiasts, but also for travelers seeking safe and informed exploration of natural areas. Photo: Adirondack Watershed Institute, Flickr CC BY 2.0

These tiny bugs can carry serious diseases — and they’re not just a problem in deep forests anymore. From the green hills of Europe to the wild plains of Africa, ticks are turning up in more places and bringing dangerous infections with them.

Europe: Beautiful landscapes, rising tick risks

Europe is seeing more tick-borne diseases than ever. Lyme disease is the most common, especially in countries like Germany, Austria, and Slovenia. Some ticks carry tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a brain infection that’s spreading in areas where it was once rare. In 2022, there were over 3,600 reported cases of TBE across 20 countries.

Even the UK is keeping a close eye—West Nile virus was recently found in mosquitoes there, although no people have gotten sick (yet).

Understanding the risks

Ticks are according to  Science Norway found throughout Europe, and their populations are expanding into new areas. Yvonne Kerlefsen, a biologist and adviser at the Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Tick-borne Diseases, notes, «Ticks are found in all European countries, though their numbers vary from place to place. A good rule of thumb is: Where there's vegetation, there may be ticks. This applies to forests, open meadows, agricultural land, and even parks and gardens – also in urban areas.»

The most common tick species in Europe is the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus), which is widespread across the continent. However, different regions host various tick species, some of which can transmit diseases not found in other areas. For instance, Mediterranean spotted fever is caused by a bacterium transmitted by certain tick species in Southern Europe. Kerlefsen advises, «In general, the further south you travel in Europe, the greater the variety of tick species. Some of these can carry viruses, bacteria, or parasites that don't exist in Norwegian nature.» 

Traveling with Pets

If you're bringing your dog on holiday, it's especially important to protect them from ticks. Kerlefsen advises using a tick prevention product that's been proven effective and is specifically designed for dogs. «In Southern and Eastern Europe, there are tick-borne diseases that can be dangerous for dogs, like babesiosis. Some tick species, like the brown dog tick, can even hitch a ride back home and reproduce indoors,« she warns.

A close-up of a tick embedded in a dog’s ear highlights a growing concern for pet owners traveling through Europe. While ticks are commonly associated with human health risks like Lyme disease or tick-borne encephalitis, they also pose serious threats to animals. In regions such as Southern and Eastern Europe, certain tick species can transmit illnesses like babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, which can be fatal for dogs if left untreated. Experts strongly advise using approved tick prevention treatments before travel, checking pets daily, and seeking veterinary care if a tick is found. Photo: Megan Marrs, Fl;ickr CC BY 2.0

Asia: A mixed bag of tick-borne dangers

In parts of Asia, ticks can spread Lyme disease and other illnesses like anaplasmosis and babesiosis. A more severe threat is SFTS (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome), a deadly virus found in China, Korea, and Japan. Travelers hiking or exploring rural areas in Asia should be especially careful.

Africa: Safari adventures come with a warning

In Sub-Saharan Africa, ticks may spread African tick bite fever, especially for tourists on wildlife tours. Some regions have also seen outbreaks of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a serious and sometimes deadly illness.

Americas: Familiar names, growing numbers

In North America, Lyme disease is well-known, but it’s spreading to more areas and appearing earlier in the year. The U.S. and parts of Central and South America also deal with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

How travelers can protect themselves

• Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin

• Wear long sleeves and pants when walking in grassy or wooded areas

• Check your skin and clothes for ticks after being outdoors

• Learn about local health risks before your trip
  

Whether you're heading to the Alps, a jungle trek in Asia, or a national park in the U.S., staying tick-aware is part of staying healthy. Ticks might be tiny, but the illnesses they carry can ruin a vacation—or worse. So be smart, stay alert, and enjoy your travels safely.