TBE is a viral disease common in Central, Eastern and Northern Europe which also extends to small areas in China and Japan. There have also been some studies which show risk in countries such as Kyrgyzstan but data is poor from this area of the world.
The disease is spread by Ixodes ticks and so is often found in areas of long grass, meadows, riversides and forested areas below 1,400m. The main risk is between April and November. There are three sub-types : Europen/Western, Siberian and Far Eastern. TBE can also be spread by ingesting unpasteurised milk from infected cattle.
The majority of people who catch TBE will develop a flu-like illness and will recover. However 20-30% of people will go on to develop a second illness which can cause meningitis and/or encephalitis, paralysis, brain damage and even death. Mortality rates are higher in the Siberian and Far Eastern sub-types and morbidity is higher in older people.
Vaccination is available at The Travel Clinic Ltd and for summer holidays needs to be started soon. The vaccination is a three dose course. Dose one and two can be given between one and three months with the third dose between five months and a year after the second dose. However if needed quickly the first two doses can be given by a rapid schedule two weeks apart with the third at five months to a year. If at continued risk a single booster at three years can be given.
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