Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne Encephalitis is a viral vector-borne disease transmitted to humans by ticks. It can also be transmitted through unpasteurized milk or cheese from cows, sheep and goats. The ticks have a wide distribution extending from Europe to northern and Eastern Asia. Exposure is most likely during the summer months (April to November). More than 5,000 to 10,000 cases are reported annually in areas of known risk.

Most people infected with the disease do not have symptoms. Severe disease can occur and usually presents 7-14 days after exposure.

Severe disease usually presents as fever, vomiting, headaches and weakness.

Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) is an uncommon disease among travellers. Only 6 cases were identified in a USA study from 2010 to 2020. All had travelled to various countries in Europe or Russia with 3 visiting friends or relatives. Activities included hiking, camping or outdoors work.

The Incidence Rate of TBE in the Baltic States has been roughly estimated at 5/100,000 per month of countryside risk.

Vaccination is available to prevent TBE. It may be offered to individuals over 12 months of age, at high risk of exposure to the disease. The vaccine is a 3-dose course and is expensive.

Much of the disease prevention still rests with avoidance.

Tick removal technique is very important should you identify a tick on your body, Squeezing the body of the tick might increase your risk of disease should the tick be infected.