TBE – Tick-borne encephalitis
TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis) is a viral disease transmitted through tick bites. Most people who become infected experience mild symptoms and make a full recovery, but in about one third of cases the disease develops into inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain. This can lead to long-lasting or permanent complications.There is no curative treatment for TBE, but there are preventive and well-established TBE vaccines that protect against the disease if you follow the recommended vaccination schedule.
Quick facts about TBE
Symptoms
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
Mode of transmission
- Through tick bites
- Virus (not a bacterium)
- Transmitted immediately at the time of the bite
- Not transmitted between humans
Preventive measures
- Vaccination
- Protective/covering clothing
- Tick repellent
- Check your body for ticks
Where it is found
- Grass and shrub areas
- Humid environments
- Near lakes and coastal areas
- Gardens
TBE – Disease progression and symptoms
TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) is a viral disease that may begin with mild flu-like symptoms and, in some cases, develop into inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain, which can cause long-lasting complications. It usually takes 1–2 weeks from the time of infection for symptoms to appear, but in some cases it can take up to a month. Some people experience mild symptoms and recover after a few days. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. However, the disease can also progress to more severe symptoms, complications, and long-term effects.
Severe symptoms
About one third develop more severe symptoms such as inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain, with symptoms worsening as the virus spreads to the brain. It is most often older people or individuals with underlying medical conditions who become seriously ill. This may lead to:- High fever, severe headache, and pronounced fatigue
- Sensitivity to light, dizziness, and balance problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Speech disturbances as well as memory and concentration difficulties
- Paralytic symptoms in approximately 10% of cases
Complications and long-term effects
TBE can result in a long recovery period, and in around 30% of adults who become ill, long-lasting or permanent problems may occur. There is no curative treatment, but people who have had the disease appear to develop lifelong immunity. Deaths are very rare and are mainly seen in individuals with other underlying medical conditions.Examples of long-term effects include:- Difficulty walking
- Speech disorders
- Memory and concentration difficulties
- Paralysis
When and where should you seek medical care?
If you suspect that you have TBE, you can contact your primary care clinic or call 1177 for medical advice. If you develop symptoms that you believe may be TBE and you feel very unwell, you should first seek care at your primary care clinic. If it is closed, you should go to the emergency department.
Treatment
To determine whether you have TBE, a blood test is taken to check for antibodies. If inflammation of the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain is suspected, the doctor may take a cerebrospinal fluid (spinal tap) sample. There is no curative treatment for TBE. However, healthcare can relieve symptoms and provide supportive care, such as pain relief, fluid therapy, and hospital care if needed. For most people, the infection resolves on its own, but recovery may take time.Have you been bitten by a tick?
You should then stay alert and inspect the bite site regularly. A red ring around the bite may indicate that you have contracted a tick-borne disease—Lyme disease (borreliosis). This disease is caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics.How is TBE transmitted?
How is TBE transmitted?
TBE is caused by a virus that is spread through tick bites. The virus is present in the tick’s salivary glands and can therefore be transmitted immediately when the tick attaches and bites. Unlike Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection, transmission does not require prolonged contact between the tick and the skin. TBE is not transmitted between humans.Where do ticks thrive?
Ticks need a moist and sheltered environment to survive, which is why they are most commonly found in shaded areas with dense vegetation. They wait in grass and shrubs to attach themselves to passing animals or humans. For this reason, the risk of tick bites is highest when spending time in nature, but ticks can also be found in more everyday environments close to home.Common places where ticks thrive include:- Grass and shrub vegetation
- Areas near lakes and coastal regions
- Gardens, parks, and golf courses
- Nature trails and dog-walking paths
Where are TBE risk areas found?
TBE is spreading to increasingly larger parts of Sweden, but the risk is not the same everywhere. Some areas are classified as high-risk areas for TBE, where the infection is particularly common, while other parts of the country have only reported isolated cases or limited spread.High-risk areas in Sweden:
- The Mälaren Valley and the Stockholm archipelago
- The Uppsala region
- Södermanland
- Östergötland
Areas with confirmed TBE cases:
- Parts of Västra Götaland
- Gävleborg
- Dalarna
- Southern Västernorrland
How can I protect myself against TBE?
The best protection against TBE is vaccination. By following the vaccination schedule, you gain safe and long-lasting protection. In addition to vaccination, you can reduce the risk of tick bites by:
- Wearing protective, covering clothing when spending time in forests and grassy areas
- Inspecting your entire body and removing any ticks you find. Pay special attention behind the ears and along the hairline in children
- Taking a shower, which may help wash off ticks that are crawling on the body before they attach and bite
- Checking the fur of your pets
