Austrian Alert: Severe Virus Risk Levels Reach Peak in Austria

Austrian Alert: Severe Virus Risk Levels Reach Peak in Austria

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Tick Season is Back: Protect Yourself from Tick-Borne Encephalitis

Tick season returns once more, bringing along the looming threat of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Regrettably, there's no available treatment to combat this nasty disease.

TBE is recognized as one of Europe's most severe neurological infections, inflicting symptoms such as fever, headaches, impaired movement, paralysis, and, in the worst-case scenario, death. With no cure for TBE, healthcare professionals can only treat the symptoms.

The TBE virus is primarily spread to humans via infected ticks. Across Austria and other Central and Eastern European countries, the virus lurks. Symptoms may manifest between two to 28 days following the tick bite, and TBE can't be transmitted from person to person.

Rising Cases

During 2024, Upper Austria observed the highest number of cases (49), followed closely by Styria (22), according to the latest viral epidemiological information (VEI). Nationwide, a total of 158 TBE cases necessitated hospitalization.

Alarmingly, 53% of the infected individuals suffer from a severe course, manifesting neurological symptoms like meningitis, inflammation of the spinal cord, and nerve root inflammation. Tragically, incapacitating damage can result from these symptoms, leaving some patients unable to fully recover.

Stay Protected

The TBE vaccine provides an effective safeguard against the disease. The Austrian vaccination plan prioritizes the TBE vaccine for children from their first birthday. After two weeks, the protective effect kicks in following the second vaccination, administered four weeks after the initial shot. The third vaccination is recommended five to twelve weeks after the second, depending on the vaccine's formulation. The first booster vaccination is recommended three years post the third vaccination, with subsequent boosters every half-decade for individuals over 60 years of age.

Vaccination Guidelines

To better understand the TBE vaccination schedule for both children and adults, here’s a breakdown:

For Children:

• The Austrian vaccination plan recommends the TBE vaccine for children from their first birthday.
• The primary vaccination series includes:
• Dose 1: Administered at day 0.
• Dose 2: Given 1–3 months after the first dose.
• Dose 3: Given 5–12 months after the second dose.
• Booster shots are recommended every three years for ongoing exposure risks.

For Adults:

• Adults require a similar primary vaccination series:
• Dose 1: Administered at day 0.
• Dose 2: Between 14 days to 3 months after the first dose.
• Dose 3: Between 5–12 months after the second dose.
• Booster doses are also recommended every three years for ongoing exposure risks.
• The vaccine is particularly advised for individuals planning outdoor activities where tick exposure is prevalent.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially before traveling to areas with high TBE risk. The vaccination is generally safe and effective, with most people experiencing minimal to no side effects.

1. Recognized as one of Europe's most severe neurological infections, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) can cause symptoms such as fever, headaches, impaired movement, paralysis, and even death, with no available treatment to combat the disease.
2. In 2024, Upper Austria observed the highest number of TBE cases (49), followed closely by Styria (22), necessitating hospitalization for a total of 158 individuals, according to the latest viral epidemiological information.
3. Over half of the infected individuals (53%) suffer from a severe course, manifesting neurological symptoms like meningitis, inflammation of the spinal cord, and nerve root inflammation, leading to incapacitating damage and leaving some patients unable to fully recover.
4. The TBE vaccine provides an effective safeguard against the disease, and the Austrian vaccination plan prioritizes the TBE vaccine for children from their first birthday.
5. The TBE vaccine is particularly advised for individuals planning outdoor activities where tick exposure is prevalent, and consultations with healthcare providers are recommended before traveling to areas with high TBE risk, with most people experiencing minimal to no side effects from the vaccine.

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