Tick Bite Risk in Military Personnel: Lessons from German Army Training

Tick bite risk in military personnel is an underrecognized occupational hazard, particularly during field training in endemic regions.

A study examining German military recruits evaluated how often tick bites occurred during basic training and whether complications followed.

The authors found that “one out of 17.5 recruits suffered a tick bite during basic training.”

They concluded that although the overall risk was relatively low, it remained clinically meaningful given repeated exposure during training exercises.

However, the true number of tick bites may have been higher. The data relied on medical records, and some ticks may have gone unnoticed or been removed without reporting.

Seasonal and Environmental Risk

During the 3-year study period, 66 tick bites were recorded, with 88% occurring between May and September.

The predominant species was Ixodes ricinus, commonly known as the castor bean tick, which is widespread in northern Germany.

This species is capable of transmitting more than 20 pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the cause of Lyme disease, and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus.

Comparison With Prior Military Studies

Earlier studies conducted in other regions of Germany reported higher rates of tick bites among military personnel, suggesting that geographic and climate differences influence exposure risk.

Health Outcomes and Prevention

Based on available medical records, none of the recruits developed illness following tick bites. However, the presence of endemic pathogens raises concern for potential future risk.

The authors emphasize the importance of preventive measures, including:

• Use of treated clothing (e.g., permethrin-treated uniforms)
• Routine body inspection after field exposure
• Clear protocols for tick removal
• Consideration of TBE vaccination in endemic regions

“The endemic distribution of Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis justify the implementation of timely preventive health care,” writes Sammito.

Clinical perspective: Military personnel represent a high-risk group for repeated tick exposure. Even when initial illness is not observed, cumulative exposure increases the likelihood of tick-borne infections, including Lyme disease.

Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.

Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention