Increase in Tick-Borne Encephalitis Infections in Sweden

This year (2023, the Public Health Agency is reporting an unusual increase in the number of people infected with the tick-borne encephalitis virus. In just the month of August, a total of 170 new infections were diagnosed, a new record. Due to favourable weather, conditions this year with high temperatures and considerable precipitation, the tick population has expanded, increasing the risk of exposure.

Advice

The risk for travellers is low, unless the traveller’s activities bring them into contact with ticks. Travellers in countries where this infection occurs should avoid tick habitats such as fields and forests where possible. Daily tick checks and prompt removal of an attached tick will help to reduce the risk of infection. Vaccination (only available in Europe) may be considered, especially if itineraries involve extensive hiking and camping in tick habitats.