Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
Check if you're at risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
The risk of getting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is very low.
Ticks that spread it can be found in:
- most of Europe – including the UK
- Russia
- parts of China and Japan
Ticks live in woodlands and grassy areas, but they can also be found in some parks and gardens.
In the UK, only a very small number of ticks carry the TBE virus. Even if you're bitten by a tick, the risk of getting seriously ill is very low.
TBE can also be spread through raw (unpasteurised) milk or dairy foods.
You can check the risks of a country you're travelling to on the TravelHealthPro website
How to reduce your risk of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the UK and abroad.
Avoiding tick bites
To reduce your risk of being bitten by a tick when you're outside:
- regularly check your clothes and skin for ticks that might be crawling on you and brush them off before they can bite you – wear light coloured clothing so it's easier to spot any ticks
- walk on clearly defined paths to avoid brushing against plants that may have ticks on them
- use an insect repellent such as DEET on your skin – you can also get clothes that contain insect repellent
- wear long trousers and long-sleeved tops so it's harder for ticks to bite you
Ticks can sometimes be very small and hard to spot. They get bigger if they bite you and feed on your blood.
Removing a tick that has bitten you
If you're bitten by a tick, try to remove it as soon as possible.
To remove a tick safely:
- Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool (you can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops).
- Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and firmly, as mouthparts left in the skin can cause a skin infection.
- Take care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you have removed it.
- Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.
The risk of getting ill following a tick bite is low. You do not need to get medical help unless you become unwell.
Important
Tick bites are usually painless. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin.
Always check your skin and hair after being outdoors.
TBE vaccine
A vaccine for TBE is recommended if you're visiting a country where the infection is common and you're planning to do outdoor activities when you get there.
You need at least 2 injections, given at least 2 weeks apart, to be protected for travel. You should have the first injection at least 1 month before travelling.
You'll have to pay for the TBE vaccine. You can get it from travel health clinics and pharmacies with travel health services.
Symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
The virus that causes tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) does not cause symptoms in most people.
Some people get flu-like symptoms about a week after being bitten, such as:
- a high temperature
- tiredness
- headache
- aches and pains
- feeling sick
The symptoms usually go away on their own, but in a few people the infection spreads to the brain and causes more serious symptoms a few days or weeks later.
These can include:
- a stiff neck and a severe headache
- pain when looking at bright lights
- a fit (seizure)
- a change in behaviour, confusion or slurred speech
- weakness or loss of movement in part of the body
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You've been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the past month where ticks are found, and you get either:
- flu-like symptoms, such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches, aching muscles or feeling sick
- a circular rash (this could be a different infection spread by ticks called Lyme disease)
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Tell the person you see if you've been bitten by a tick or think you may have been.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has:
- a stiff neck and a severe headache
- pain when looking at bright lights
- a fit (seizure)
- a change in behaviour, sudden confusion or slurred speech
- weakness or loss of movement in part of the body, including the face drooping on 1 side
Treatment for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) can be life-threatening if it spreads to your brain. You'll need to be treated in hospital if you're seriously unwell.
Treatment may include:
- medicine
- fluids, given through a vein
- ventilation, where a machine is used to breathe for you
- surgery to drain fluid from the brain (this is rare)