Central European tick-borne encephalitis (FSME)

Central European tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease. It is transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. It can cause inflammation of the meninges and brain.

In more than 80% of people bitten by an infected tick, the infection remains undetectable. In less than 20% of cases, flu-like symptoms appear between 4 and 14 days after the bite. In one third of these cases, more serious signs related to brain damage, such as high fever, headaches and neck stiffness, may occur.

Vaccination is recommended for all adults and children over six years of age who spend time during tick season (early summer and autumn) in forests and areas where the virus is common (mainly in central and northern Europe).

Vaccination schedule

• Vaccination: 2 injections one month apart
• Booster: after one year, every 10 years