Tick-Borne Encephalitis

If you're heading to rural or forested parts of Europe or Asia, it’s worth knowing that tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a real travel health risk. This viral infection is passed on through tick bites and can lead to serious complications affecting the brain and nervous system. While rare, cases have been increasing in popular destinations like Austria, the Baltics, and parts of Greece.

Thankfully, it’s preventable. You can get protected with a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine in Stevenage, available through the expert team at Stevenage Travel Clinic. Whether you’re planning a hiking holiday or staying in remote areas, we’ll help you prepare safely for your trip.

What Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis?

Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It’s spread through the bite of infected ticks, most commonly found in grassy, wooded, or rural areas — particularly during the warmer months.

While many people recover fully, some cases can lead to complications such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), meningitis, or even long-term neurological damage. Unlike other tick-borne diseases, TBE can’t be treated with antibiotics — which makes prevention even more important.

Symptoms of Tick-Borne Encephalitis

TBE symptoms often come in two stages. The first phase may feel like a general viral illness, but in some cases, it progresses to a much more serious second stage.

First phase symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

In more severe cases, the second phase can cause:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures
• Paralysis (rare but serious)

Some people make a full recovery, while others may experience long-term issues such as memory problems or recurring headaches. In rare cases, TBE can be life-threatening.

Where Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis Found?

Tick-borne encephalitis is found across parts of Europe, Central Asia, and East Asia — particularly in rural, forested, and grassy areas where ticks thrive. The risk is highest during spring and summer when ticks are most active, but it varies depending on the country and region.

Here are some areas where TBE has been reported:

Europe:
Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary are well-known hotspots.

Scandinavia & the Baltics:
Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania see regular cases, especially in countryside regions.

Russia & Asia:
Parts of Russia, China, and Japan report thousands of TBE cases annually.

Greece:
While not traditionally considered high-risk, rural parts of northern Greece have seen isolated cases, particularly near the borders with Turkey and Bulgaria.

If you’re spending time outdoors in any of these areas, it’s worth considering the vaccine as a protective step.

Who Should Get the Vaccine?

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine isn’t necessary for all travellers — but if your plans involve outdoor activities or extended stays in higher-risk regions, it’s strongly recommended.

You may benefit from the vaccine if you:

• Are hiking, trekking, or camping in forested or grassy regions
• Plan to spend long periods outdoors in rural parts of Europe or Asia
• Work in agriculture, forestry, or environmental fieldwork
• Are travelling during the warmer months when tick activity is highest
• Have a medical condition that makes you more vulnerable to viral infections

At Stevenage Travel Clinic, we’ll assess your itinerary and personal risk level to help you decide whether the vaccine is the right choice for your trip.

How the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine Works

The TBE vaccine is a simple and effective way to protect against the virus. It’s given as a series of injections, with long-term protection achieved after completing the full course.

Dose 1: provides initial short-term protection
Dose 2: given 1 to 3 months later for added immunity
Dose 3: given 5 to 12 months after the second dose to complete the course
Booster dose: recommended every 3 to 5 years if you remain at risk

You don’t need to restart the course if doses are delayed — we’ll help you pick up where you left off. It’s best to start the course well in advance of your travel dates.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

Even if you're vaccinated, avoiding tick bites is still important. These steps will help lower your chances of being bitten while travelling or enjoying the outdoors.

• Wear long sleeves, long trousers, and tuck trousers into socks
• Stick to paths and avoid tall grass or dense undergrowth
• Use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin
• Choose light-coloured clothing to help spot ticks easily
• Check your body after being outdoors, especially behind knees, underarms, scalp, and waistband
• Remove any ticks quickly with fine-tipped tweezers
• Avoid unpasteurised milk or dairy products in at-risk areas

Combining the vaccine with these bite-avoidance tips gives you the best protection.

Why Choose Stevenage Travel Clinic?

When it comes to travel health, experience and convenience matter. That’s exactly what we offer at Stevenage Travel Clinic — a local, trusted place to get sorted before your trip.

Here’s why travellers choose us:

• Experienced team offering tailored travel health advice
• Quick access to the tick-borne encephalitis vaccine in Stevenage
• Flexible appointments that fit around your schedule
• Clear guidance on what you need and when to get it
• Friendly, professional service from start to finish

Whether you're off on a hiking holiday or spending time in rural Europe, we’ll help you prepare with confidence.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re planning a trip to a region where ticks are active, don’t leave your protection to chance. You can book your tick-borne encephalitis vaccine in Stevenage through our expert team at Stevenage Travel Clinic and get personalised advice, fast service, and peace of mind.

Get in touch, pop into the clinic, or use our easy online form to arrange your appointment. Travel safe — and stay protected from tick-borne diseases.