Tick Borne Encephalitis

About Tick Borne Encephalitis

Tick borne encephalitis TBE vaccines were developed in Austria in the 1970s. TBE is a viral disease transmitted by ticks in Europe and Asia. The disease causes meningitis, encephalitis, and in severe cases death. Austria has one of the highest TBE vaccination rates in the world. The vaccine is used by residents of and travellers to endemic areas under national guidance, particularly forested regions of Central and Eastern Europe. Climate change has expanded the range of ticks northward and to higher altitudes, increasing TBE risk. Vaccination involves a multi dose primary series followed by booster doses at intervals set by national guidance. TBE cases have been increasing in several European countries, including Germany, Czech Republic, and the Baltic states, due to outdoor recreation and changing tick distributions.