Tick-borne encephalites (TBE) is a viral disease carried by ticks, which causes inflamation of the brain and surrounding tissues. Many sufferers incur long lasting or permanent symptoms. Ticks transmit the virus between large animals and humans. TBE cases occur with the highest frequency during the highest period of tick activity (between April and November). Infection can either follow a tick bite, or consumption of raw milk from cows, sheep or goats. Person to person transmission has not been reports, however it has been recorded passing from mother to foetus. People in Austria and Scandanavia are routinely given the TBE vaccine.

TBE is found in many parts of Europe, the former Soviet Union and Asia. Thousands of cases are reported annually.

Early symptoms may include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, muscle aches, headache, nausea amd/or vomiting, and later symptoms include symptoms of meningitis (e.g. stiff neck, headache, fever) or encephalites (e.g. drowsiness, confusion, sensort disturbances, and motor abnormalites such as paralysis). TBE is more severe in adults than children.

There is no specific drug treatment of TBE, so prevention against the disease is crucial. It is advised that travellers to infected areas use insect repellents and wear protective clothing. Vaccination is also available; two doses must be taken two weeks apart before departure, and a third vaccination gives extended immunity.

This information was kindly supplied by The Travel Clinic, Cambridge www.travelcliniccambridge.co.uk