Ticks possibly on the rise in Iceland

Two tick bites on humans this summer

Two tick bites on humans this summer Photo: Erling Ólafsson

Anna Margrét Björnsson

mbl.is

Two reports of tick bites on humans were received by the Icelandic Insititute of Natural History this summer. Ticks have been found in all parts of the country but it is likely that ticks have arrived in Iceland through migrating birds. In all, 21 announcements have been made about tick bites on humans since 2011. Erling Ólafsson from the Icelandic Institute of Natural History believes that ticks are a relatively new addition to Iceland's fauna as the insect is moving further and further north with warmer climates. 

Ólafsson adds that although people are bitten by ticks this does not neccessarily mean that the bite will become infected. Ticks in Iceland have not been found in Reykjavík but in woodland areas. 

The most serious bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks is Lyme disease, which is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early. But neurological problems and joint pain can develop months or years later if left untreated, and in worst cases fatal. 

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