Tick borne encephalitis (TBE)

Tick borne encephalitis is caused by a virus carried by the Tick and can cause a minor illness or meningo- encephalitis, which is life threatening. There are 3 forms and they relate to the area in which they are found- European, Far Eastern and Siberian.

The European variety occurs in the Alps, Scandinavia, Poland and the Baltic states, and Eastern Europe. It also occurs in 9 areas of China.

The peak incidence occurs in spring and early summer and high risk activities include forestry, hiking, camping, hunting, fieldwork and military personnel. Any laboratory workers likely to be exposed should be vaccinated.

An inactivated vaccine is given in 3 doses after 1month and then 6 months. A booster is recommended every 3 years.