Tick-borne Encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus has three subtypes: European, Siberian and Far Eastern. Infection can be fatal, with the risk depending on the type of TBE. Travellers who spend time in regions where TBE is endemic – mainly forested areas of central and eastern Europe, Russia, northern China and Mongolia – may be at risk. The highest risk is during the warmer months from April to November, especially when hiking or camping in areas below 1500 m. Ticks climb onto grass and other vegetation, then latch onto animals and humans as they pass by.
TBE virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick of the Ixodes species or, less commonly, by consuming unpasteurised dairy products from infected animals. Ticks may breed around homes and in local parks. Humans are often unaware that they have been bitten.
![]({"file":"2d422a90-0fef-4ebc-a019-880f119882a5.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Ixodic Tick")
Symptoms
Fever, vomiting, cramps and paralysis, which can be prolonged.
IMPORTANT: If you develop a rash or fever within 28 days of removing a tick, see your doctor. Mention the tick bite, as well as where and when you were bitten.
Prevention
When spending time outdoors, especially in rural or forested areas, stop ticks from hitching a ride by:
- Walking in the centre of trails, avoiding wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
- Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, tucking trousers into socks.
- Applying either DEET 30–40% or picaridin insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Soaking or spraying your clothing, hat, boots and socks with a solution of permethrin. A safe, proven contact insecticide, permethrin remains effective even after several washes. DIY permethrin kits are available at Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics.
Most tick-borne illnesses do not develop until the tick has been attached for more than 24 hours.
Thoroughly scan your body at the end of each day. Check for ticks under arms, in and around the ears, inside the navel, behind the knees, in the groin area, around the waist and in hair.
Vaccines against TBE are not readily available in Australia but may be obtained from the Travel Doctor-TMVC clinics.
Treatment
Supportive care and management of complications. No specific treatment is known. It can be fatal in a number of cases.
Removing ticks
Using fine-tipped (not blunt-nosed) tweezers or a tick remover, grasp the tick from the side (not from above) as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward steadily. After removing all traces of the tick, clean the bite area thoroughly using antiseptic and wash your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Destinations
The following destinations are known to contain this disease:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
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![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")