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Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection spread by tick bites. Ticks infected with the virus are found in parts of Europe (including the UK) and Asia. In the UK, the risk of getting it is very low.

The risk of getting tick-borne encephalitis 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.

You can check the risks of a country you're travelling to on the TravelHealthPro website

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting tick-borne encephalitis 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.

If you're bitten by a tick, try to remove it as soon as possible.

To remove a tick safely:

1. Use a pair of 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 and pull upwards slowly and firmly, as mouthparts left in the skin can cause a skin infection.
3. Take 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 following a tick bite is low. You do not need to seek medical attention 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.

Consider having the tick-borne encephalitis 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 vaccine is not available on the NHS. Search online for a travel clinic that offers it. It costs about £65 per injection.

The virus that causes tick-borne encephalitis 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
• a 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:

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else has: