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Tick-borne encephalitis areas in Germany
Wednesday, 17 June, 2009
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a virus disease prevalent between May and October in many parts of Europe including Russia. The Robert Koch Institute in Germany has published an updated map of risk areas in that country indicating that the states of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria show the highest risk. Other states in which there is some risk are Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia.
Ticks, which can also spread another infection called Lyme Disease, largely occur in forested areas and tourists who might be at risk are those who are going on camping or hiking holidays. However, the infection can also be acquired through drinking unpasteurised milk, particularly goat’s milk. A Fact Sheet on TBE can be found on this website. Tourists are usually at minimal risk but for those who are likely to spend some time involving camping or hiking through forested areas a vaccination course is available in Europe. If there is sufficient time the vaccine can be made available in Australia under a Special Access Scheme on formal application.
