Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause inflammation of the brain (=encephalitis)
cause. The virus is usually transmitted by a tick bite, but sometimes it can
drinking unpasteurised milk also cause contamination. Here you can read about what you can do to prevent the
disease prevention and whether you should get vaccinated.
The disease state is also called frühsommermeningoenzephalitis (FSME) in the German language area
and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Anglo-Saxon countries.
Where does tick-borne encephalitis occur?
The virus occurs in wild small mammals, especially rodents. Certain tick species carry the
virus passes from animals to animals and sometimes to humans. The disease is not transmitted from person to person
transmitted. The same tick species also transmits Lyme disease.
Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in forests and grasslands in parts of Europe, Russia, China, Japan, Kyrgyzstan,
Kazakhstan, Mongolia and South Korea. For risk in specific countries, see the LCR site: advice by
country. The active ticking season for these areas is from April to November.
What are the symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis?
Symptoms range from mild to very severe. The disease usually starts with flu-like
symptoms, followed by headache, nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms.
How can you prevent tick-borne encephalitis?
Tick-borne encephalitis can be prevented by avoiding tick bites.
- Stay on the paths and avoid tall grass and scrub.
- Wear covering clothes (long trousers, pant legs in socks, sturdy shoes)
- Coat uncovered skin with insect repellent containing DEET. For more
Information see the leaflet 'Mosquito repellent when travelling'. - Do not camp at the edge of a forest or along the perimeter of a campsite.
- Use socks impregnated with permethrin.
- Impregnate other clothing possibly with permethrin: although this is not available in the Netherlands,
this is often sold abroad in aerosols that can be used to inject clothing. - Do not drink unpasteurised milk.
- Get vaccinated if necessary (see below).
Because tick-borne encephalitis can be transmitted soon after the bite, infection cannot be
prevent by removing ticks every night.
Should I get vaccinated?
The need for vaccination can be discussed with an expert traveller's advisor.
Campers and hikers staying in nature reserves in parts of Russia and Central Asia
where the virus is prevalent, vaccination is advised during the active tick season.
A full series of vaccinations consists of three injections.
Are you in an area within Europe where the virus is present for less than 4 weeks? Then it is sufficient
to properly protect you from tick bites.
See also www.lcr.nl/
Download the leaflet below!
