Vector-borne Diseases
Vector-borne diseases are infectious diseases in which pathogens are transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, mites, or flies. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis are the most common vector-borne diseases in Switzerland. Here you will find information on the various diseases and how to protect yourself against infection.
Due to climate change and increasing global travel, cases of vector-borne diseases are on the rise. In Switzerland, certain tick-borne diseases such as TBE and Lyme borreliosis are already established, but other vector-borne diseases, such as tularemia (also known as rabbit fever, caused by Francisella tularensis), are becoming more frequent. Chikungunya fever, dengue fever, and Zika virus infection are endemic abroad and are mainly transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito. Reported cases in Switzerland so far involve exclusively returning travelers who were infected abroad. It is therefore recommended to take protective measures when traveling to countries at risk.
The global spread of vector-borne diseases varies geographically and seasonally. Malaria is the most well-known and deadliest vector-borne disease worldwide. However, people infected with malaria do not pose a risk of infecting others within Switzerland, as the mosquito species that transmits the disease (Anopheles mosquitoes) does not occur here.
Another vector-borne disease that occurs repeatedly in Switzerland is scabies. It is caused by itch mites (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis) and spreads rapidly in densely populated environments such as daycare centers, schools, asylum centers, and prisons, as transmission occurs through close skin contact.
On the FOPH Infectious Diseases Dashboard, statistics on the current spread of TBE, Lyme borreliosis, and tularaemia are published regularly. The dashboard also contains case numbers for other vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, Zika virus infection, chikungunya, dengue, West Nile fever and yellow fever.
Measures in Switzerland
Risk reduction recommendations have been developed on behalf of the subsidiary body ‘One Health’ to reduce the risk of transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika in Switzerland. These recommendations are the result of close, cross-departmental collaboration between the federal government, the cantons and various research institutions. They are addressed to the relevant cantonal authorities and are intended to serve as a basis for the development of their own prevention and control plans. The aim is to identify potential disease transmission at an early stage, respond swiftly and effectively prevent local outbreaks through a phased and harmonised approach (see ‘Documents’ tab).
Further information
Further topics
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern