The article examined how weather conditions influenced the increase of tick-borne diseases in Poland, focusing mainly on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) between 1993 and 2006. We described that most TBE cases occurred in the northeastern regions, particularly the Mazury Lake District and Podlasie Lowlands. The study used spatial analysis and meteorological data to explore links between disease incidence and environmental factors, revealing a statistically significant association between air temperature and TBE cases, while rainfall and snow cover showed weaker connections. Although the data suggested weather played a role in tick activity and disease spread, we noted that more comprehensive studies—including factors like vegetation, human behavior, and socio-economic conditions—were needed for clearer conclusions. The findings highlighted the importance of monitoring environmental conditions to better understand and prevent tick-borne diseases.
This work was part of a long‑term project aimed at identifying factors underlying geographic differences in the risk of tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE). We established a close collaboration with the Meteorological Institute. In this publication— presented at a meteorological conference—Professor Ustrnul described the use of kriging methods to interpolate data from 60 meteorological stations to nearly 2,500 small administrative units (municipalities), providing inputs for future modelling. Thanks to the outstanding work of the Meteorological Institute’s experts, we were ultimately able to develop a comprehensive predictive model, which was published in 2018 after many years of refinement and preparation.