Increased numbers of tick borne encephalitis cases in various regions of Russia

So far this year, there have been 947 cases of tick-borne encephalitis registered in Russia. The largest number of cases was reported in the Krasnoyarsk region, followed by Novosibirsk [Siberia], Irkutsk, Tyumen, Kirov, Yekaterinburg, Vologda, St Petersburg, Kemerovo, Pskov, and Kostroma regions, the Republic of Khakassia, the Perm and Primorye regions, Moscow (importations from Yaroslavl, Vologda, Karelia, Altai, and Mongolia, Belarus).

Advice

Now is the season for tick borne encephalitis virus transmission in Russia, especially in western Siberia. Travellers 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.