Ticks and mosquitoes found in Luxembourg can carry serious diseases, but experts say the greatest risks still come from travel abroad.

No ticks in Luxembourg have been found to carry the Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), and all known cases were contracted abroad, according to Dr Thérèse Staub, infectious disease specialist at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL).

A vaccine exists, but is only recommended for travel to high-risk areas such as Austria, Sweden, and parts of Germany or Italy.

TBE, which causes fever and can lead to brain inflammation – or encephalitis – in around 30% of cases, has no cure. While most people recover, complications – including death – are possible, especially for older individuals. The virus is spreading across Europe, Staub warns, so people should check their skin carefully after outdoor activities or consider vaccination when travelling.

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While TBE has not yet been detected in local ticks, Lyme disease bacteria (Borrelia) are present in Luxembourg. The illness can cause rashes, joint pain, and neurological symptoms, but can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

No effective vaccine is currently available, though new ones are in development.

Mosquitoes are also a growing concern. Tiger mosquitoes capable of spreading tropical diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika have been found in Luxembourg – but none have transmitted illness locally yet. Cases reported in Luxembourg were all contracted abroad.

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So far, Dengue transmission has been seen in southern France, Spain, and Italy. A vaccine exists but is currently reserved for people who’ve already had the disease, due to concerns that it could worsen future infections. Chikungunya, which causes flu-like symptoms, has appeared recently in nearby France and Germany.

Malaria, another mosquito-borne disease, can be prevented with medication before travel.

Before going abroad, travellers should also check their standard vaccinations – Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio (every 10 years), and Hepatitis A if travelling outside Europe. Several cases of Hepatitis A have also appeared this year in Austria and eastern European countries.

More specialised vaccines – like those for Yellow Fever (Africa, South America), Typhoid, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis (Asia) – are available at the Travel Clinic. Which ones you need depends on your destination and travel style.

For full advice tailored to your itinerary, visit the CHL Travel Clinic or consult your doctor.