About TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis)
TBE is a viral disease transmitted by ticks that attacks the nervous system and can result in long-term neurological symptoms in patients, and even death. TBE can cause both mild and severe illnesses, with permanent consequences such as concentration problems, paralysis and depression. Approximately 1% of cases result in the death of the affected person.
TBE Fact Sheet 2007 (31Kb)
High Risk Areas in Europe
The prevalence of TBE has increased in Europe by almost 400% in the last 30 years. There are more than 10,000 TBE cases reported in Europe each year.
The following is a map showing the area where the TBE virus is found:
Distribution of Western & Eastern Subtypes of TBE Virus (37Kb)
The following is a map showing the current endemic areas in Europe:
Current Distribution of Documented TBE Cases in Europe (70Kb)
Current endemic areas include:
East of France (Alsace) |
Poland |
How is TBE transmitted?
TBE is transmitted through tick bites from infected ticks. The Ixodes ricinus tick (commonly referred to as the castor-bean tick) is prevalent across Europe. Not every tick transmits the dangerous TBE virus, but the rate of infestation in some high-risk areas can be high. Following a tick bite, transmission can occur in a matter of seconds.
Where do ticks hide?
Although many still believe that ticks fall from trees, they actually live in the soil and don't climb much higher than 20 to 70 centimetres onto grasses and bushes in their search for a blood host (people or animals).
Therefore, ticks generally get picked up off of vegetation when passing through grasses or by bushes along forest paths, or when walking on lawns and in the garden. Ticks have temperature-geared olfactory senses that detect “prey”. Many infected people cannot remember ever being bitten because of the small size of the ticks.
What are the signs & symptoms of TBE?
The frequency of illness is subject to seasonal fluctuations and arises from the activity of ticks. Mild winters and humid springs promote the incidence of ticks. Risk of infection can begin as early as February and last until November depending on the region. The illness progresses in two phases; in up to 20% of the cases the first phase is not perceived by patients.
During the two-phase progression, the so-called first phase of the illness occurs after an incubation period of 6 to14 days; this is when the virus enters the bloodstream. Patients complain about general symptoms, such as temperature increase (usually under 39°C), headaches, overall weakness, fatigue, intestinal problems, cough and sniffles; symptoms often indicative of the common cold.
After a symptom-free interval of between 2 and up to a maximum of 8 days, symptoms indicating the infection of the nervous system appear. This happens when the virus succeeds in infecting the brain.
The second phase of infection, includes another temperature increase (usually over 39°C) ensues, with typical additional symptoms being aggravated headaches, neck stiffness, impaired consciousness, delirium, cranial nerve paralysis, coordination problems and paralysis of the arms and legs. Ultimately, paralysis of the respiratory musculature can occur.
Intensive treatment, including artificial respiration, is then essential. There is no specific treatment for TBE.
Therefore, therapy can only be symptom-oriented, e.g. reducing fever, alleviating pain.
