Tick-Borne Encephalitis

This viral infection of the brain is found in rural areas of both Eastern and Western Europe. As the name implies, it is transmitted via ticks, which like to jump off the plants and bushes onto unsuspecting, and uncovered hikers. Ticks do their feeding from spring through fall, so only those who travel into rural areas during this period are at risk.

The vaccine (FSME Immune) consists of two doses, given 1 - 3 months apart. Booster doses should be administered at 18 months for prolonged protection. Personal measures such as wearing long pants and socks, using insect repellents, and inspecting one’s skin at the end of the day for embedded ticks should be encouraged.