We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
We have identified you may not be viewing TRAVAX optimally because the browser you are using is unsupported - click here.
The media has reported on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Finland. Researchers have identified cases of TBE in the region surrounding the city of Kotka in the south-east of the country that have been caused by the Siberian subtype of TBE. In Finland, the Western European subtype of TBE is more common.
In recent years, several cases of more severe TBE illness have been found to be of the Siberian subtype in the Kotka area. To date, 20 cases of Siberian subtype TBE have been identified in Finland; cases have also been reported from the coastal city of Kokkola in the west of the country in the past.
A record number of TBE cases (47) were reported in Finland in 2014; it is unclear if these infections were caused by the Siberian or the Western European subtype of TBE.
(Via YLE UUTISET - accessed 19/05/15)
Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is sometimes advised for travellers to Finland.
The most important endemic areas are the Aland, Turku and Kokkola archipelagos, southeastern Lappeenranta region and Isosaari. New TBE-endemic foci or sporadic cases include Kotka, Kuopio, Simo, Varkaus and Narpio. The highest risk is in the Aland archipelago where the majority of cases occur. Between 20-40 cases reported annually. (ECDC 2012)
Travellers should also take steps to avoid tick bites.
