Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
What is Tick-borne Encephalitis?
Flu-like symptoms: Fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain are common early symptoms of TBE. These symptoms may last for several days to a week.
Neurological symptoms: In some cases, TBE can progress to affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as neck stiffness, confusion, disorientation, tremors, paralysis, and even coma.
Meningitis or encephalitis: TBE can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), which can result in more severe neurological symptoms and complications.
High risk areas for Tick-borne Encephalitis
Central and Eastern Europe: Countries such as Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland have reported cases of TBE. In these regions, the risk of TBE is higher in rural and forested areas where ticks that carry the virus are prevalent.
Scandinavian countries: TBE cases have been reported in Sweden and Norway, particularly in the coastal regions and islands where tick populations are present.
Baltic countries: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have reported TBE cases, with higher incidence rates in rural and forested areas.
Russia: TBE is prevalent in various regions of Russia, particularly in the western part of the country, Siberia, and the Far East.
Central Asia: TBE cases have been reported in countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
China: Certain provinces in China, particularly in northeastern and central regions, have reported cases of TBE.
Japan: TBE cases have been reported in certain regions of Japan, including Hokkaido and other northern areas.
Tick-borne Encephalitis Vaccine Price
Main symptoms of Tick-borne Encephalitis
- Typical Form:
- Fever: Typically the initial symptom, often accompanied by chills and sweating.
- Headache: Can range from mild to severe and may be persistent.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak.
- Muscle aches and joint pain: Often described as flu-like symptoms.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Rash: In some cases, a rash may develop, though this is less common.
- Symptoms typically occur within 7 to 14 days after a tick bite.
2. Neuroinvasive Form (Severe):
- Neurological symptoms: These may develop in a subset of individuals with TBE and can include:
- Neck stiffness: Difficulty moving the neck due to stiffness.
- Confusion and disorientation: Altered mental status, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems.
- Seizures: Uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
- Paralysis: Loss of muscle function or weakness, particularly in the limbs.
- Paralysis: Loss of muscle function or weakness, particularly in the limbs.
- Encephalitis or meningitis: Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), which can lead to more severe neurological symptoms.
- Symptoms may progress rapidly and can lead to coma and death in severe cases.
- The neuroinvasive form of TBE typically requires hospitalization and intensive medical care.
Ways to minimise the risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis during travel
Know the Risk Areas: Research the areas you plan to visit to determine if they are known to have TBE cases. TBE is endemic in certain regions of Europe and Asia, particularly in forested areas.
Avoid High-Risk Areas: If possible, avoid spending time in areas with dense vegetation, such as forests and wooded areas, where ticks are more prevalent.
Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when hiking or walking in areas where ticks may be present. Tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) or picaridin to exposed skin to repel ticks. Follow the instructions on the repellent label and reapply as needed.
Check for Ticks: Conduct regular tick checks on yourself and your companions, especially after spending time outdoors. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, and in the groin area.
Stay on Trails: Stick to designated trails and avoid wandering into tall grass or brushy areas where ticks may be hiding.
Avoid Contact with Wildlife: Ticks can also be found on animals such as deer and rodents. Avoid touching or approaching wild animals and their habitats.
Consider Vaccination: If you plan to spend extended periods in TBE-endemic areas or engage in outdoor activities where tick exposure is likely, consider getting vaccinated against TBE. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if vaccination is recommended for your travel plans.
Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs and symptoms of TBE so that you can seek medical attention promptly if you develop symptoms after returning from your trip.
Tick-borne Encephalitis vaccin
Vaccination Schedule: The TBE vaccine typically requires multiple doses administered over a period of time to ensure adequate protection. The exact schedule may vary depending on the specific vaccine brand and formulation. Booster doses may be recommended to maintain immunity over time.
Pre-Exposure and Post-Exposure Vaccination: The TBE vaccine can be given as part of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to individuals at high risk of exposure to TBE virus, such as those living in or traveling to TBE-endemic regions. It can also be administered after a tick bite or potential exposure to TBE virus as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), although its effectiveness in this context may be limited.
Effectiveness: The TBE vaccine is highly effective in preventing tick-borne encephalitis when administered according to the recommended schedule. However, like all vaccines, it may not provide 100% protection in every individual.
Side Effects: Side effects of the TBE vaccine are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, headache, and fatigue. Severe allergic reactions are rare.
Consultation and Administration: It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a travel medicine specialist or primary care physician, to determine if the TBE vaccine is recommended for your travel plans or potential exposure risk. The vaccine is typically administered by a healthcare provider in a clinic or travel medicine center.
