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Tick Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
Tick Borne Encephalitis, TBE, is a virus disease found throughout central Europe, parts of Scandinavia, the Baltic countries, Russia and a belt through Siberia. It is also named Central European Encephalitis and Russian Spring Summer Encephalitis, RSSE.
Infection
TBE virus has a reservoir in deers and is transmitted by ticks. People exposed to tick like hunters, military personnel and others who are spending time in nature during the summer months.
Vaccination
People planning to spend longer time outdoors in endemic areas (weeks) during spring, summer and early autumn months should consider vaccination.
The vaccine consist of killed TBE virus. Vaccination include 3 injections, the first 2 with 2 – 4 weeks in between and the 3 after 3 – 12 months after which protection is at least 3 years.
Vaccination is part of the childhood vaccination programme in Austria.
Symptoms
The encephalitis is diagnosed by headache and fever.
Diagnosis
Detection of antibodies in a blood sample.
Treatment
Supportive only. No specific antiviral drugs available.
Prevention
In addition to vaccination, avoid bites of ticks by wearing long trousers when outside.
Edited 5 december 2003
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