Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE): What Travellers Need To Know

Planning a countryside hike, wild camping adventure or forest escape abroad? Then you’ll want to be clued up on Tick-Borne Encephalitis, also known as TBE.

Though relatively rare for UK travellers, TBE is becoming more common across Europe and Asia — and it’s a risk worth taking seriously.

🦠 What Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis?

TBE is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It’s usually spread by the bite of infected ticks, although in some cases it can be transmitted through drinking unpasteurised milk from infected animals (particularly goats).

💡 Did you know? In Europe and Asia, 10,000–12,000 TBE cases are reported every year, and numbers have increased by nearly 400% in the past 30 years.

🌍 Where Is TBE Found?

TBE is endemic in forested areas of:

• Central, Eastern and Northern Europe

• The Russian Federation

• China and Japan

It’s especially common in rural or wooded areas where ticks thrive — and risk peaks in spring and summer.

🧑‍⚕️ Who’s At Risk?

While anyone can be bitten by an infected tick, you're at higher risk if you:

• Hike, camp or cycle in forested areas

• Live or work in rural regions

• Handle animals or work outdoors

• Visit during peak tick season (March–October)

Even short breaks or city day trips into surrounding countryside can expose you to risk, depending on the location.

🩺 What Are the Symptoms of TBE?

The illness typically develops in two phases:

Phase 1: Flu-like symptoms

• Fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Muscle aches

Some people recover after this stage — but around 1 in 4 go on to develop CNS symptoms.

Phase 2: Nervous system involvement

• Meningitis

• Encephalitis

• Seizures

• Paralysis

The case fatality rate for European TBE is 0.5%–2%, but even survivors may experience long-term complications like memory problems, fatigue or nerve damage.

🕒 Incubation period: 2–28 days after a tick bite

🛡️ How To Prevent Tick-Borne Encephalitis

You can reduce your risk by:

• Getting vaccinated before travel (see below)

• Wearing long sleeves and trousers in grassy or wooded areas

• Using insect repellents with DEET, Picaridin or PMD

• Avoiding unpasteurised dairy products

• Checking for ticks after outdoor activities and removing them quickly with tweezers

💉 TBE Vaccination: Who Should Get It?

The TBE vaccine is not part of the NHS schedule, but it’s available privately and recommended for:

• Travellers camping, hiking or exploring forested areas in endemic countries

• People living or working in TBE-endemic regions

• Laboratory workers handling TBE virus

✅ Vaccines Available in the UK

The first two doses are usually given 1–3 months apart, with a third dose after 5–12 months. For faster protection, the second dose can be given just 2 weeks after the first.

🔁 Booster doses are recommended every 3–5 years, depending on your age and risk.

📗 For full details, refer to the Green Book: Chapter 31 – Tick-Borne Encephalitis

📍 TBE Travel Advice in a Nutshell

📞 Book Your TBE Vaccine at Ready Health

At Ready Health Clinic in Standish, we offer:

• TicoVac® and TicoVac Junior® vaccines

• Expert travel health consultations

• Tailored vaccine advice based on your destination and activities

📍 Serving Wigan, Chorley, Horwich, Bolton and surrounding areas
🕒 CQC-registered private medical clinic
📅 Book your travel vaccination now: 01257 676001 or book online