Tick-borne encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infectious disease transmitted by ticks.
Tick-borne encephalitis can be severe and affect the central nervous system, causing complications (such as balance and coordination disorders, limb paralysis, etc.).
The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The virus is present in the tick’s salivary glands and is released into the human bloodstream at the bite site as soon as the tick begins to feed. Less commonly, infection can occur through unpasteurized milk or dairy products from an infected animal (e.g., a goat or cow). The disease is not transmitted from person to person.
The longer a tick remains attached to the body, the more virus it transmits. Therefore, it is important to remove the tick from the body as quickly as possible. Not only adult ticks are dangerous; larvae and nymphs can also transmit the virus.
Tick season in Estonia typically lasts from April to October, when the risk of infection is highest. Ticks emerge from hibernation when the air temperature consistently rises above 5–7 °C, and their numbers peak in the second half of spring. In winter, ticks are generally in hibernation, but during mild winters, they can also be encountered in January and February. Indoors, for example in stables, cattle sheds, and haylofts, ticks can be active year-round.
Symptoms and Complications
Tick-borne encephalitis is an infectious disease of the central nervous system that often progresses in two stages. The first flu-like symptoms—fever accompanied by headache and muscle pain—usually appear 1–2 weeks after infection.
These symptoms typically last up to a week and then resolve on their own.
In one-third of those who have gone through the first stage, the virus reaches the brain, causing meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and meninges). The disease worsens, with high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, drowsiness, and general malaise.
Tick-borne encephalitis is an infectious disease of the central nervous system that often progresses in two stages. The first flu-like symptoms—fever accompanied by headache and muscle pain—usually appear 1–2 weeks after infection.
These symptoms typically last up to a week and then resolve on their own.
In one-third of those who have gone through the first stage, the virus reaches the brain, causing meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and meninges). The disease worsens, with high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, drowsiness, and general malaise.
Most patients recover, but some may develop permanent complications:
- balance and coordination problems,
- limb paralysis,
- headaches, and memory and concentration difficulties.
In some cases, the disease can be fatal.
There is no specific treatment for tick-borne encephalitis; only the symptoms are treated.
People who have had the disease develop lifelong immunity.
Most patients recover, but some may develop permanent complications:
- balance and coordination problems,
- limb paralysis,
- headaches, and memory and concentration difficulties.
In some cases, the disease can be fatal.
There is no specific treatment for tick-borne encephalitis; only the symptoms are treated.
People who have had the disease develop lifelong immunity.
Prevention and Treatment
To avoid tick bites:
- when going outdoors, wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves so you can spot ticks early;
- tuck pant legs into socks or boots;
- use insect repellents;
- after spending time in a tick-infested area, check your entire body, including behind the ears, under the arms, and other areas.
To avoid tick bites:
- when going outdoors, wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves so you can spot ticks early;
- tuck pant legs into socks or boots;
- use insect repellents;
- after spending time in a tick-infested area, check your entire body, including behind the ears, under the arms, and other areas.
You can protect yourself against tick-borne encephalitis through vaccination.
The primary vaccination series consists of three doses. The first two are administered 1–3 months apart, and the third up to a year later. After two doses, immunity is good but lasts only one season; the third shot extends immunity.
The Estonian Expert Committee on Immunoprophylaxis recommends the first booster three years after the third dose. Subsequent booster doses:
- for younger individuals and those up to age 50, 10 years after the previous dose,
- for those aged 50–60, 5 years after the previous dose,
- for those aged 60 and older, 3 years after the previous dose.
Children are vaccinated starting at one year of age.
You can protect yourself against tick-borne encephalitis through vaccination.
The primary vaccination series consists of three doses. The first two are administered 1–3 months apart, and the third up to a year later. After two doses, immunity is good but lasts only one season; the third shot extends immunity.
The Estonian Expert Committee on Immunoprophylaxis recommends the first booster three years after the third dose. Subsequent booster doses:
- for younger individuals and those up to age 50, 10 years after the previous dose,
- for those aged 50–60, 5 years after the previous dose,
- for those aged 60 and older, 3 years after the previous dose.
Children are vaccinated starting at one year of age.
Where can you get vaccinated?
You can get vaccinated:
- at your family health center,
- at infectious disease clinics offering vaccination services,
- at private practices,
- at many pharmacies across Estonia.
Schedule a vaccination appointment on the health portal.
Log inWhere can you get vaccinated?
You can get vaccinated:
- at your family health center,
- at infectious disease clinics offering vaccination services,
- at private practices,
- at many pharmacies across Estonia.
Schedule a vaccination appointment on the health portal.
Log in