Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a vaccine-preventable viral disease that occurs in some countries of central, eastern, and northern Europe and across Russia to parts of eastern Asia.
TBE is spread mostly by the bite of an infected tick. Ticks can live in forest fringes in the leaf litter and grassland, in forest glades, riverside meadows and marshland, forest plantations with brushwood, and in shrubbery. Ticks can also be found in parks and gardens. Ticks that transmit TBE are most active in the warmer months (spring, summer, and autumn).
Tick-bite avoidance measures during outdoor activities should be advised for all, regardless of whether they have received pre-exposure vaccine before travel. TBE vaccine for pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for those visiting affected areas.
Check to see if TBE is a risk at your destination.
All travellers should take steps to avoid tick bites during outdoor activity.
Practise bite avoidance methods: for example, wear appropriate clothing and use effective insect repellents.
Check the whole body for ticks regularly. Larval forms of Ixodes ticks are tiny and difficult to see (they can be the size of a freckle or speck of dirt). After feeding, adult ticks become engorged and can be the size of a coffee bean. Common areas for ticks are skin folds, armpits, wrist, waistband area, back of knees, elbows, groin, back of the neck and hairline. However, ticks can attach anywhere, so a full body check is recommended.
Remove ticks as soon as possible with a pair of fine tipped tweezers or preferably tick remover.
If any signs of illness occur within 28 days of a tick bite, seek prompt advice from a medical practitioner.
On return to the UK and you develop flu-like symptoms within 28 days of a tick-bite, you should contact your GP or call NHS111.