Tick-borne Encephalitis: a danger that can be reduced - the most effective protection is vaccination

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) – is a viral infection caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. This disease affects the central nervous system (the brain, its membranes, and peripheral nerves) and is considered one of the most severe viral infections spread naturally in Europe. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Lithuania remains one of the countries with the highest incidence rates of tick-borne encephalitis. It is crucial to understand that the infection spreads not only in forests – more than half of the people get infected just in their living environment, including gardens, yards, or even urban green areas.

What is tick-borne encephalitis?

It is a neurotropic flavivirus, which, when entering the human body, can penetrate into nervous tissue and cause neurological disorders of varying severity. The disease usually progresses in two phases:

1. Prodromal (nonspecific symptoms) phase:

• Fever (often above 38 °C),
• Headache, muscle, joint pains,
• General weakness, fatigue,
• Nausea, sometimes – digestive disorders.
• This phase lasts about 2–7 days. Some patients recover after the first phase, but for others, the disease progresses further.

2. Neurological symptoms phase:

• After a few symptom-free days (interphase), signs of central nervous system damage appear, which may include:
• Meningitis (inflammation of the brain membranes): headache, neck stiffness, nausea.
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain): consciousness disorders, seizures, behavioral changes.
• Myelitis or radiculitis: limb weakness, paralysis, sensory disorders.

What are the possible consequences?

• Tick-borne encephalitis can have long-term neurological effects, even if treatment was given in time:
• 30–35% of patients have residual effects.
• About 8–9% of cases end in partial or complete disability, making the person unable to live independently.

Common long-term effects:

• Movement and coordination disorders,
• Persistent headaches,
• Memory, attention, and sleep problems,
• Depression, emotional instability, anxiety.
• The recovery process can take from several months to years or longer, and some changes may be irreversible.

How is it contracted?

The main route of infection is a tick bite. Ticks become infected through blood, feeding on wild animals (rodents, deer, foxes), which are natural virus carriers.

Important: the virus is transmitted very quickly after a bite – unlike Lyme disease, where the risk depends on the duration the tick is on the skin.

How to protect against tick-borne encephalitis?

Although it is difficult to completely avoid a tick bite, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced by following these recommendations:

Personal protection in nature:

• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing, a covered head.
• Use tick-repellent repellents.
• Avoid dense grass, do not wade into tall grass or shrubs.
• After being in nature, thoroughly inspect the body, especially armpits, neck, groin, ear area.

Vaccines – the most effective specific protection:

• Vaccination is possible from the age of 1 year.
• The vaccination is carried out in a 3-dose scheme, ensuring about 97% effectiveness.
• To maintain protection, it is recommended to take a booster dose every 3–5 years.
• One can choose a regular or accelerated vaccination schedule.
• The effectiveness of vaccination is proven by epidemiological data: in Austria, where a national vaccination program was introduced, the incidence decreased more than 12 times.

Since ticks are widespread, the risk exists even in cities – in parks, cemeteries, green areas. Infected people are registered annually among city residents, who often do not even suspect a bite.

Tick-borne encephalitis is a serious infection that can have long-term or even irreversible consequences. Although it is impossible to completely avoid contact with ticks, responsible behavior in nature and vaccination are the most effective protective measures.

Regularly inform relatives, especially older people, children, and those who actively spend time in nature, about the threat of this infection. If you are not yet vaccinated – consult your doctor or register for vaccination at our medical institution.

This entry was prepared based on data from the National Public Health Center (NVSC) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).