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Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection usually transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. The disease occurs in parts of central, northern and Eastern Europe, Siberia and parts of Asia. Most infections occur during hiking activities in forested areas.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccination

£65

Per dose

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(Subject to availability, T&C's, discounts and offers)

⚠️ High Risk Alert: Untreated TBE can lead to long-term neurological complications with a 20% fatality rate in Asia. Vaccination is highly recommended for at-risk travelers.

🦠 What is Tick-Borne Encephalitis?

TBE is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system. It progresses in two distinct phases:

  • Initial Phase: Mild flu-like symptoms
  • Neurological Phase: Serious brain and spinal cord infections
  • Can cause meningitis (brain inflammation)
  • May lead to encephalitis (severe brain infection)
  • Long-term neurological complications possible
  • 20% fatality rate in severe Asian cases

🌍 Geographic Distribution

  • Europe: Central, Northern, and Eastern regions
  • Russia: Siberia and Far East
  • Asia: Parts of China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan
  • Risk areas include forested and rural regions
  • Most cases occur spring through autumn
  • Peak tick season: April to November

🪲 How It Spreads

  • Primary: Bite from infected Ixodes ticks
  • Rare: Unpasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese from infected goats/sheep/cows)
  • Ticks attach during outdoor activities
  • Person-to-person transmission extremely rare
  • Higher risk in forested areas
  • Ticks most active in warm, humid weather

Vaccination Schedule

Age Group Doses Required Schedule Time Before Travel Booster Required
2-15 years 2-3 (pediatric) 0, 1-3 months OR 0, 14 days** Last dose 2 weeks before* 5-12 months after primary series
15-85 years 2-3 0, 1-3 months OR 0, 14 days** Last dose 2 weeks before* 5-12 months after primary series

*Vaccine should be completed at least 2 weeks before travel for optimal protection
**Accelerated schedule (0, 14 days) available for travelers with limited time

🥾 Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • Hikers: Trekking through forested areas
  • Campers: Sleeping in tick-prone environments
  • Hunters: Extended time in wilderness
  • Mountain Bikers: Riding through vegetation
  • Nature Photographers: Off-trail activities
  • Anyone engaging in outdoor activities during tick season

👷 Occupational Risk Groups

  • Forestry Workers: Daily exposure to tick habitats
  • Agricultural Workers: Farmers in endemic areas
  • Park Rangers: Managing natural areas
  • Wildlife Researchers: Field studies in forests
  • Military Personnel: Training in endemic regions
  • Outdoor Guides: Leading groups in tick areas

✈️ Travelers & Residents

  • Tourists: Visiting endemic European/Asian regions
  • Residents: Living in or near tick-infested areas
  • Children: Playing outdoors in endemic zones
  • Expatriates: Relocating to high-risk countries
  • Adventure Travelers: Backpacking, trekking tours
  • Anyone with prolonged outdoor exposure in endemic areas

🌡️ Phase 1: Initial Symptoms (Days 1-8)

Incubation period: 7-14 days after tick bite. First phase lasts approximately 2-8 days with flu-like symptoms:

Common Symptoms:

  • Sudden onset of high fever (38-40°C)
  • Intense headaches (frontal or temporal)
  • Severe fatigue and weakness
  • Generalized muscle aches and pain

Additional Signs:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sore throat and cough
  • Runny nose

Recovery Phase:

  • Many patients recover after this phase
  • Symptom-free period of 1-20 days
  • About 70% experience mild illness only
  • 30% progress to neurological phase

🧠 Phase 2: Neurological Symptoms (Severe Cases)

After symptom-free interval, some patients develop serious central nervous system involvement:

Meningitis (Most Common):

  • ⚠️ Severe, persistent headache
  • ⚠️ Stiff neck (nuchal rigidity)
  • ⚠️ Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • ⚠️ Confusion and disorientation

Encephalitis (Brain Inflammation):

  • ⚠️ High fever (39-41°C)
  • ⚠️ Severe confusion
  • ⚠️ Difficulty speaking
  • ⚠️ Tremors and seizures
  • ⚠️ Impaired consciousness

Rare but Severe:

  • ⚠️ Paralysis: Limbs or facial muscles
  • ⚠️ Respiratory failure: Breathing difficulties
  • ⚠️ Coma: Loss of consciousness
  • ⚠️ Death: Up to 20% in Asian variant

⏳ Long-Term Complications & Recovery

Neurological Sequelae:

  • Persistent headaches for months/years
  • Cognitive impairment and memory issues
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Mood changes and depression
  • Sleep disturbances

Physical Complications:

  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Muscle weakness
  • Balance and coordination problems
  • Tremors or involuntary movements
  • Hearing problems

Recovery Timeline:

  • Mild cases: Full recovery in weeks
  • Moderate cases: Recovery in 2-6 months
  • Severe cases: May take years
  • 10-20% have permanent disabilities
  • Children generally recover better than adults

💉 Vaccination Protection

  • Most Effective: Vaccination is the best prevention
  • Recommended for all at-risk travelers
  • 95% effective after complete series
  • Long-lasting immunity with boosters
  • Safe for adults and children 2+ years
  • Essential for endemic area residents

🥾 Outdoor Precautions

  • Avoid Tick Habitats: Stay on cleared trails
  • Avoid heavily tick-infested forests in spring/summer/autumn
  • Walk in center of paths, away from vegetation
  • Avoid sitting directly on ground
  • Choose camping sites away from tall grass
  • Be extra cautious in known endemic areas

👕 Protective Clothing

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
  • Tuck pants into socks or boots
  • Wear light-colored clothing (easier to spot ticks)
  • Use closed-toe shoes, not sandals
  • Wear a hat to protect scalp
  • Consider permethrin-treated clothing

🔍 Tick Inspection & Removal

Regular Inspection:

  • Check entire body after outdoor activities
  • Pay special attention to: armpits, groin, behind knees, scalp, behind ears
  • Check children thoroughly
  • Inspect pets (they can carry ticks indoors)
  • Examine clothing and gear

Proper Removal Technique:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers or tick remover
  • Grasp tick close to skin surface
  • Pull upward with steady, even pressure
  • Don't twist or jerk (can break off mouthparts)
  • Clean bite area with antiseptic
  • Save tick in sealed container for identification

After Removal:

  • Monitor bite site for 2-3 weeks
  • Watch for developing rash or symptoms
  • Seek medical care if symptoms appear
  • Inform doctor about tick bite
  • Note date and location of bite
  • Early treatment improves outcomes

🧴 Insect Repellent Guidelines

Skin Repellents:

  • Use DEET (20-30% concentration)
  • Alternative: Picaridin (20%)
  • Apply to exposed skin
  • Reapply according to product directions
  • Use caution on children under 2 years

Clothing Treatment:

  • Use permethrin on clothing and gear
  • Treat boots, pants, and camping equipment
  • Permethrin lasts through several washings
  • Never apply directly to skin
  • Highly effective tick deterrent

Application Tips:

  • Apply before entering tick habitats
  • Follow all product instructions
  • Don't apply near eyes, mouth, or open wounds
  • Wash off repellent after returning indoors
  • Store products safely away from children
🥛 Food Safety Warning: In endemic areas, avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) from goats, sheep, or cows. The TBE virus can be transmitted through contaminated dairy products. Always choose pasteurized options when available.

🏥 When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact a doctor immediately if you experience:

Note: There is no specific antiviral treatment for TBE. Medical care focuses on supportive treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Early medical intervention is crucial for better outcomes.

Protect Yourself with TBE Vaccination

Planning to travel to endemic areas or engage in outdoor activities? Get vaccinated before you go. Book your consultation today.

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