Tick-Borne Encephalitis

The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection which has over 12,000 registered cases in the high-risk for the infection areas. The disease is known to cause irreversible illness with symptoms similar to flu which later on lead to fever, headaches, inflammation of the heart, pancreas, spinal cord and finally the brain which leads to imminent death, paralysis or lifetime neurological damage.

How it spreads?

Wild vertebrate animals are the main carriers of the infection. There are two possible ways the disease can be transmitted.

• If you drink unpasteurized milk-containing products from animals that have been infected.
• A bite from an infected Ixodes tick.

Where does Tick-Borne Encephalitis occur?

• Experts suggest that the highest rates of TBE are during the months of June, July and August. However, it is important to note that transmissions can also occur in March and December.
• TBE is most popular in Western/Central Europe, Siberian Ural Mountains and Far eastern Russia, Japan & China.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis vaccination:

The vaccination against the deadly disease is highly effective for the people who have taken it properly, under a controlled environment like the Medical Express Clinic on Harley Street. In order to make the vaccination as effective as possible, it must be done twice, 14 days apart followed by a third dose a year later. A booster vaccination is often recommended after 3 years since the first one.

Other self-protective ideas:

• Wear long and loose clothing.
• Use insect repellents like DEET.
• Thoroughly check your entire body for ticks, especially in the armpits and behind the knees regions.
• Remove ticks promptly and correctly and clean the bite with antiseptic.