Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infection spread by tick bites. It's not found in the UK, but there's a low risk of getting it in parts of Europe and Asia.

Check if you could be at risk of TBE

The risk of getting TBE while travelling is very low.

Ticks that spread it are found in:

  • most of Europe (not the UK)
  • Russia
  • parts of China and Japan

Ticks live in forests and grassy areas. You're more at risk of being bitten if you do activities like hiking and camping.

Not all ticks spread TBE. Even if you're bitten, the risk of getting seriously ill is low.

You can check the risks of the country you're travelling to on the Travel Health Pro website.

You can get vaccinated against TBE if you're at risk

Consider having the TBE vaccine if you're visiting a country where the infection is found and you're planning to do outdoor activities when you get there.

Two injections of the vaccine can protect you for about a year. A third injection can protect you for about 3 years.

You need to have the first injection at least 1 month before travelling.

The TBE vaccine isn't available on the NHS. Search online for a travel clinic that offers it. It costs about £65 per injection.

How to avoid tick bites

Try to avoid being bitten by ticks in places where TBE is found, even if you've been vaccinated.

To reduce the risk of being bitten:

  • cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks
  • use insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best
  • stick to paths whenever possible
  • wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot and brush off

How to spot and remove ticks

Tick bites aren't always painful. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin. Always check your skin and hair after being outdoors.

To remove a tick safely:

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. You can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.
  2. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible.
  3. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you've removed it.
  4. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

The risk of getting ill is low. You don't need to do anything else unless you become unwell.

See a doctor if:

  • you've been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the past month where infected ticks are found

and you get:

  • flu-like symptoms – such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches, aching muscles or feeling sick, or
  • a circular red rash

Tell them if you've been in forests or grassy areas.

Go to hospital if you or someone else:

  • gets a stiff neck and a severe headache
  • gets pain when looking at bright lights
  • has a seizure (fit)
  • has a change in behaviour – such as sudden confusion
  • develops weakness or loss of movement in part of the body

Page last reviewed: 09/04/2018
Next review due: 09/04/2021

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