Tick-borne encephalitis: What is it and how can it be prevented?

Tick-borne encephalitis is a potentially life-changing disease. Sharon Graham explains the transmission, risk and prevention of the disease in travellers

Tick-borne encephalitis is caused by a Flavivirus transmitted by the bite of the Ixodes tick or through consumption of unpasteurised dairy products. Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic across a large area of Europe and Asia. Clinical presentation can vary from mild, non-specific, febrile illness, to life-threatening illness with the potential for long-term sequelae affecting the central nervous system. This article will outline the transmission, risk and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis with details of the vaccines available in UK.