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Going to Europe or Asia this Easter. Learn about Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE)…

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Going to Europe or Asia this Easter, learn more about TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis)…

TBE is found in areas of the following countries:

  • Albania
  • Austria
  • Belarus
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hungary
  • Italy
  • Kazakhstan
  • Latvia
  • Montenegro
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Ukraine
  • China
  • Japan
  • Mongolia

What is TBE?

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an illness that affects the brain and spinal cord (encephalitis is inflammation of the brain). It is caused by a viral infection that’s spread through a bite from an infected tick.

How is it spread?

Spread by the bite of an infected tick and rarely, via unpasteurised milk from infected cows, sheep and goats. Travellers at risk include those planning to walk, camp or work in long grassy or wooded areas for long periods especially during spring, summer and autumn months as this is when the ticks are most active. If caught, symptoms include flu-like illness sometimes followed by neurological complications. If at risk, travellers should consider vaccination which involves 2 initial injections and a booster for extended coverage. They should also avoid tick bites by covering up and treating clothing with Permethrin which is a tick killer. Always remove any ticks promptly.

Signs and Symptoms

TBE progresses in two phases. In up to a third of cases the first phase is not perceived by patients.

The first phase of illness occurs after 7-14 days. Patients complain about general symptoms normally associated with the common cold, such as:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Myalgia
  • Nausea
  • General malaise
  • Fatigue

After this, symptoms indicating that the nervous system may be affected start to appear. Additional symptoms at this stage might typically be:1 

Meningitis symptoms 

  • Temperature over 39°C
  • Aggravated headaches
  • Neck stiffness

Encephalitis symptoms

  • Impaired consciousness
  • Delirium
  • Cranial nerve paralysis
  • Coordination problems
  • Paralysis of the arms and legs

Long-term effects

TBE is rare but has no specific treatment and can have serious long-term effects

There is no specific treatment for TBE, and it is estimated that more than 1 in 10 sufferers will be left with serious long-term effects such as:

  • Personality and behavioural changes
  • Problems with memory, attention, concentration, planning and problem solving
  • Speech and language problems (aphasia and dysphasia)
  • Hearing defects
  • Epilepsy
  • Movement problems and balance disorders
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Spinal paralysis

TBE can affect all ages, from young children to the elderly. There is no specific treatment for TBE.

Dears Pharmacy provide TBE Vaccine as part of our Travel Clinic Service:

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Age of UseDoses RequiredScheduleTime Before Travel Booster Required
16 years+20, 1-3 monthsLast dose 2 weeks before*5-12 months


Tick-borne Encephalitis Paediatric

Age of UseDoses RequiredScheduleTime Before Travel Booster Required
1-15 years20, 1-3 monthsLast dose 2 weeks before*5-12 months


*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

 

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