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Tick-borne Encephalitis in Sweden

07 Sep 2015

The Swedish health authorities have published data on notifications of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) for 2015. Since the beginning of 2015, a total of 140 cases have been notified. Of those, 83 cases were reported in August; this compares with an average of 56 cases during August in the last 10 years.

Cases of TBE were identified in the east of Sweden, along the Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea in Stockholm, Södermanland and Uppsala.

Advice for Travellers

Vaccination against TBE is sometimes recommended for travellers to Sweden. TBE  is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, or less commonly by ingestion of unpasteurised milk and milk products. Transmission is more common during the warmer months of Apr-Nov when ticks are most active.

Travellers should also take steps to avoid tick bites when visiting risk areas.