Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) can occur year round, but is far more common in Spring and early Summer.  Camping and hiking in woodland, forest and grassy terrain preferred by ticks is high risk for exposure.  TBE is present in Central and Western Europe right through to the Far East, with Russia and parts of China and Japan affected.

TBE is passed to humans by the bite of an infected tick, or, sometimes by ingestion of unpasturised dairy products from infected animals, goats particularly.

The disease incubates for 2-28 days.  A feverish flu like illness can be followed by an encephalitis or meningitis type illness a few weeks later.  It can lead to long lasting neurological problems, even death.  Many of the countries in the affected region use Tick-borne Encephalitis vaccine as a routine childhood vaccine for all their residents.

Reduce  exposure by avoiding high risk activities in affected areas during Spring and Summer when ticks are most active, covering up with long sleeves  and trousers  tucked into socks, preferably sprayed with  Insecticide Fabric Spray, using 40-50% Deet spray or lotion on exposed skin, spraying camping gear with EX4 Insecticide Fabric Spray.  The Travel Clinic Ltd can also provide a course of Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine for protection from this diseas