What is it?

Tick Borne Encephalitis is a viral infection that is spread via the bites of ticks. The disease can cause inflammation of the brain which can result in permanent brain damage and death.

Travel precautions

Our recommended vaccines for the most common travel destinations outside of Europe includes Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) vaccines. For travellers who are visiting the developing world on a regular basis or for prolonged periods of time, we would recommend considering hepatitis B vaccine. Cholera is worth considering for travellers visiting rural areas of developing countries. The vaccine against cholera (Dukoral) also reduces the risk of the most common form of traveller’s diarrhoea caused by E coli. Dukoral is an oral vaccine given in two doses one week apart.

Tick Borne Encephalitis is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. It is therefore very important to be protected with a DEET based insect repellent. It is also important to take a tick remover device to remove any ticks that are on the skin

Signs and symptoms

Initial symptoms of Tick Borne Encephalitis are like flu symptoms and can include a high temperature, headache and muscle pains. These symptoms usually last for up to eight days with most people making a recovery after this time. In certain individuals, the infection can spread to the brain leading to seizures, confusion and paralysis. There is no cure for Tick Borne Encephalitis and treatments aim to relieve symptoms until the infections passes.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for chicken pox as most children will recover spontaneously. It is important if you are working closely with children or in health care to check whether you have had chicken Pox, as there is vaccination is available to protect you.