Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Check if you could be at risk of TBE

The risk of getting TBE while travelling is very low.

Ticks that spread it are found in:

• most of Europe (not the UK)
• Russia
• parts of China and Japan

Ticks live in forests and grassy areas. You're more at risk of being bitten if you do activities like hiking and camping.

Not all ticks spread TBE. Even if you're bitten, the risk of getting seriously ill is low.

You can get vaccinated against TBE if you're at risk

Consider having the TBE vaccine if you're visiting a country where the infection is found and you're planning to do outdoor activities when you get there.

Two injections of the vaccine can protect you for about a year. A third injection can protect you for about 3 years.

You need to have the first injection at least 1 month before travelling.

How to avoid tick bites

Try to avoid being bitten by ticks in places where TBE is found, even if you have been vaccinated.

To reduce the risk of being bitten:

• cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks
• use insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best
• stick to paths whenever possible
• wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot and brush off

How to spot and remove ticks

See a doctor if:

• you have been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the past month where infected ticks are found

and you get:

• flu-like symptoms – such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches, aching muscles, or feeling sick, or
• a circular red rash

Tell them if you have been in forests or grassy areas.