Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Vaccination

About tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that is transmitted predominantly through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. TBE virus belongs to a closely related group of viruses called flaviviruses. These include yellow fever, dengue and Japanese encephalitis. 

TBE affects the central nervous system and may cause a spectrum of diseases, from mild, short-lived illnesses to more severe life-threatening illnesses with the potential for severe neurological complications. 

How can you get tick-borne encephalitis?

TBE is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick, the primary vector of TBE virus. The virus is maintained in nature by several animal ‘hosts’ including; small mammals (mice and voles), domestic livestock (sheep, goats and cattle) and certain bird species. 

This interaction between vector and host creates a disease reservoir in the environment. Human infection occurs incidentally when individuals encroach on areas where the virus is present and are inadvertently bitten by infected ticks.