Tick Borne Encephalitis

What is Tick-borne Encephalitis?

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an ailment that is transmitted mostly by tick bites. It can induce flu-like symptoms or more severe conditions like meningitis or brain inflammation.

Occasionally, consuming unpasteurized milk from diseased animals, particularly goats, might result in infection.

High-risk Risk areas for Tick-borne Encephalitis

The risk of contracting TBE is small.

Ticks that transmit the disease are found in:

• The majority of Europe, including portions of England
• China
• and Japan

Ticks inhabit woodlands and grasslands. When you engage in activities such as hiking and camping, your risk of being bitten increases.

Not all ticks can transmit TBE. Even if bitten, the risk of developing a serious illness is low.

Main symptoms of Tick-borne Encephalitis

The majority of individuals infected with TBE will exhibit no symptoms.

Some individuals will get a high temperature (fever) and flu-like symptoms (such as feeling hot and shivering, headaches, aching muscles, and nausea) that last approximately one week.

A small percentage of individuals who appear to have recovered from the influenza-like sickness will have more severe symptoms several days later. These symptoms may include a high body temperature (fever) and neurological symptoms (such as a strong headache, stiff neck, seizure (fit), abrupt confusion, or paralysis or lack of mobility in sections of the body).

If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms during or after visiting a TBE-infected location, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Ways to minimise the risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis during travel

You should be informed of ways to avoid tick bites if you want to spend extended periods outside in forests or rural areas of nations where TBE illness is common. See the useful links section below for ways to avoid tick bites.

The TBE vaccine is the most effective strategy to avoid illness, especially if you plan to participate in outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, camping, cycling, fishing, orienteering, or jogging in rural or forested areas.

When travelling in high-risk areas, you should check your entire body for ticks regularly, especially after engaging in outdoor activities. Ticks must be eliminated as soon as possible.

See the useful links section below for insect bite avoidance advice that explains how to safely remove ticks.