Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection transmitted by ticks. In rare cases, you can also contract it through unpasteurized milk or cheese from infected animals, such as cows, goats, or sheep. The virus can cause meningitis and/or encephalitis. In German, the disease is also called Frühsommermeningoenzephalitis (FSME).

Where does it occur?

You can contract tick-borne encephalitis in natural areas such as forests, dunes, meadows, and parks in Europe, Russia, and certain areas of Central and Eastern Europe and Asia. The disease has also been present in the Netherlands for several years, but the number of infected ticks is small here, and the risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis in the Netherlands is therefore low.

The same ticks can also transmit Lyme disease, which is more common in the Netherlands than tick-borne encephalitis. The active tick season is from April to November. Destinations where you should be aware of tick-borne encephalitis:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland
Southern Sweden, the Baltic States
China, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and South Korea

What are the symptoms?

Tick-borne encephalitis is often mild, with flu-like symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, the disease can lead to meningitis and/or encephalitis with severe headache, memory loss, paralysis, or decreased consciousness, days to weeks after the first symptoms.

How can you prevent tick-borne encephalitis?

The best thing to do is avoid being bitten by a tick.

Wear protective clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Apply DEET to exposed skin.

You can get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis. Whether this is necessary depends on where you go on your business trip, how long you are going, and what you will be doing. If you do get a tick bite, always remove it immediately to minimize the risk of infection.

Can I get vaccinated against TBE/FSME at KLM Health Services?

Yes, this is possible if your employer is a customer of ours. Then you are welcome to come in for vaccinations that will ensure you can carry out your work safely and healthily. Would you like to use our services, but your employer is not one of our customers? Then your employer can contact us for a no-obligation introductory meeting.