Tick-borne Encephalitis in Slovakia

It is reported in media that cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Solvakia are increasing. In 2023, as of 3 July, 85 cases of TBE have been reported. Areas particularly affected are the Trencín and Banskobystrica regions.

Suspected causes include use of unpasteurised dairy products and low vaccination rates (under 10% of the Slovakian population are vaccinated against TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is transmitted to humans mainly through tick bites and is widespread across northern Europe and northern Asia. Transmission occurs during 'tick season' which runs from late spring until early autumn. Not all ticks are infected with TBE.  Symptoms can include a mild or flu-like illness, and in some cases lead to more severe neurological symptoms.

While much of TBE transmission is tick-borne across Europe, Slovakia is exceptional in the number of cases reported due to consumption of unpasteurised dairy products.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers to endemic areas should be aware of the types of activities that increase tick exposure, such as walking, hiking, camping, cycling or fishing in forested areas during tick season and be advised to:

• avoid consuming unpasteurised dairy products 
• avoid tick bites by use of insect repellents and appropriate clothing (e.g. long trousers tucked into socks, closed footwear)
• inspect their whole body for ticks daily after outdoor activities, and remove any ticks as early as possible

When to consider vaccination

Vaccination is the best preventative measure against TBE and should be considered following an individual risk assessment for:

• travellers to endemic countries during the tick season (spring- early autumn) who plan outdoor activities in forested areas
• those planning to reside long term or work (whereby the nature or work increases risk of exposure to ticks) in endemic areas 

For further information, see the Tick-borne Encephalitis and Insect Bite Avoidance pages