The possibility of getting bitten by a tick whilst travelling may not be on the minds of many travelers, however, did you know that Tick -borne encephalitis (TBE) is a serious infection that is present in over 33 countries and may include the one you are travelling to. Read on to find out if the subject of ticks is not one to be ignored.
Where are ticks found?
Ticks are found all over the world but in some areas, particularly Europe and Asia, they can cause a serious infection called Tick -borne encephalitis. Ticks live near the ground in grassy areas. They are present in rural areas such as forests and meadows but also in urban areas such as city parks and gardens where they climb onto grass, shrubbery and bushes.
Tick -borne encephalitis (TBE) – Countries of risk:
Europe
- Albania Lithuania
- Austria Latvia
- Belguim Lithuania
- Bosnia Liechtenstein
- Bulgaria Moldovia
- Croatia Montenegro
- Czech Republic Netherlands
- Denmark Norway
- Estonia Poland
- Finland Romania
- France Serbia
- Hungary Slovakia
- Italy Slovenia
- Germany Sweden
- Greece Switzerland
- Ukraine
Asia
- Kazakhstan
- Mongolia
- Russia
- China
- Japan
When is there a risk of tick -borne encephalitis?
The tick season can vary each year depending on the climate; however, Ticks are typically active when temperatures are above 6ºC, from March to November.
Activities that increase your risk of being bitten by a tick include:
- Camping
- Cycling
- Hiking and walking in rural areas
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Sightseeing
- Climbing
- Foraging
How is TBE transmitted?
TBE is a viral infection. It is present in the saliva of infected ticks. Ticks sense the carbon dioxide we breathe out, our body heat and the vibrations we make as we move and walk. Ticks don’t jump, they brush onto clothing or skin of people passing by, giving them opportunity to bite and transmit infection.
TBE infection can also occur from eating and drinking unpasteurized dairy products from infected animals.
Symptoms of tick -borne encephalitis
Most people may not experience any symptoms. Others will experience fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and nausea. Some people will experience a 2nd phase of symptoms (nausea vomiting, headache and vertigo) following on 2 – 10 days later when the virus targets the brain causing meningitis and encephalitis. This can cause long term complications affecting the nerves and brain resulting in lifelong disability and paralysis.
1 in 50 people who develop symptoms of TBE will die from infection. There is no cure or treatment for TBE, only supportive care.
How to protect yourself from TBE
Vaccination:
If you are moving to a country of risk or have an itinerary that includes activities in areas of risk or extensive outdoor activities that increase risk of exposure, you should consider vaccination against tick -borne encephalitis
Ticovac and Ticovac junior vaccines are available for adults and children that provides between 96 and 99% protection in healthy individuals.
The vaccine has a 3-course schedule day 0, 1 month and a 3rd dose at 5-12 months.
At least two doses are required before travel. This is the same for adults and children.
For rapid short-term protection two doses can be given on day 0 and 2 weeks. A third dose is still required to complete the course.
Whether you choose to be vaccinated or not, it is important to protect yourself from tick bites and know how to do this.
Preventing tick bites
- Wear light-coloured clothing (so you can see any ticks). Wear long-sleeved tops and trousers tucked into socks.
- Treat socks with clothing treatment such as permethrin.
- Apply an effective insect repellant such as DEET to exposed skin.
- Walk in the middle of paths and avoid brushing against the surrounding vegetation.
- Check your body for ticks regularly. Ticks are very small, and you are unlikely to feel a tick bite.
- After being outdoors, remove your clothes outside and wash them.
What to do if you have a tick bite
- Remove ticks from your body as soon as possible using a pair of fine tipped tweezers or specific tick tweezers.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible by its head.
- Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick.
- Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic or Iodine solution.
- Make a note of the date you removed the tick. If you have any signs of illness within a month of the bite, seek advice from a healthcare professional
Make an appointment with one of our travel health specialists for further advice and information as to whether you are at risk of TBE and how to best protect yourself.
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