Illness name: tick borne encephalitis

  • Original languages: English

Description:

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infection spread by tick bites. Ticks that spread it are found in parts of Europe and Asia, and some parts of the UK.

Check if you could be at risk of TBE

The risk of getting TBE is very low.

Ticks that spread it can be found in:

  • most of Europe – including parts of England
  • 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 such as hiking and camping.

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

Information:

You can check the risks of a country you're travelling to on the TravelHealthPro 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 common and you're planning to do outdoor activities when you get there.

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

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

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

How to avoid tick bites

Always try to avoid being bitten in places where ticks are found.

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

Important

Tick bites are not always painful. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin.

Always check your skin and hair after being outdoors.

Ticks can sometimes be very small and hard to spot.
Credit:

SINCLAIR STAMMERS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/263611/view

They get bigger if they bite you and feed on your blood.
Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/575711/view

Remove them by grasping them close to the skin with fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool.
Credit:

Shotshop GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo Image no longer available for purchase but license expires: 09th May 2028

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 have removed it.
  4. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

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

Non-urgent advice: See a doctor 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 red rash

Either of these could be an early sign of an infection.

Tell the doctor if you have been in forests or grassy areas.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or someone else:

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

Page last reviewed: 23 April 2021
Next review due: 23 April 2024