Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TBE incubation is six to 14 days and at first can cause increased temperature, headaches,
fever, cough and sniffles, symptoms similar to a cold or flu. The second, more dangerous
phase of TBE can lead to neck stiffness, severe headaches, delirium and paralysis. There is
no specific treatment for TBE. However, this is how you can protect yourself:
•
Use an insect repellent that is effective against ticks.
•
Avoid wearing shorts in rural and wooded areas, tuck trousers into socks, or cover
all exposed skin with protective clothing (though not always practical in summer).
•
Inspect your skin for ticks and remove any found as soon as possible with fine-
tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool. If using a special tool, follow instructions
for use. If you are using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick firmly and as close to
the skin as possible. In a steady motion, pull the tick's body away directly outwards
without jerking or twisting. Make sure you get the tick's head out as sometimes the
head can remain embedded.
•
Also, avoid unpasteurised milk which may also be infected with the TBE virus in
endemic regions.
Vaccinations
Ones to consider:
•
Hepatitis (A&B).
•
Japanese Encephalitis.
•
Meningitis.
•
Polio.
•
Rabies.
•
Tetanus.
•
Tuberculosis.
•
Typhoid.
•
Yellow Fever.
Ask your GP for advice on vaccinations/precautions six to eight weeks before you go (some
may be available on the NHS). Keep a record card on you of what you've had done. Cer-
tain countries won't admit you unless you have a valid yellow fever certificate.
