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Disease overviewEurope and Asia

What is tick-borne encephalitis?

Tick-borne encephalitis, or TBE, is a viral infection affecting the central nervous system. It occurs in parts of Europe and Asia and is mainly associated with infected ticks.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Travellers and outdoor users

Short answer

Tick-borne encephalitis, or TBE, is a viral infection affecting the central nervous system. It occurs in parts of Europe and Asia and is mainly associated with infected ticks.

At a glance

Risk is strongly regional. Prevention includes avoiding bites, checking for ticks and considering vaccination when recommended for travel or exposure in higher-risk areas.

Key takeaways

• TBE is caused by a virus, not the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

• Risk varies greatly by destination and activity.

• Travellers should use current official travel-health advice.

Where risk occurs

TBE is reported in endemic areas across parts of Europe and Asia. Outdoor activities in rural or forested environments can increase exposure where infected ticks are present.

Prevention and travel planning

Protective clothing, suitable repellent, regular checks and prompt removal help reduce tick exposure. A vaccine is available and may be recommended for some travellers or people with ongoing exposure; advice should come from an appropriate travel-health service.

Sources and further reading