Suche
Increasing TBE cases in Austria: vaccination now important!
The TBE infections rise, especially for over 50 year olds. Experts warn a year -round risk and recommend vaccination.
Increasing TBE cases in Austria: vaccination now important!
Early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE), a disease transmitted by ticks, is increasingly developing into a year-round infection in Austria. While 158 people had to be hospitalized last year, Upper Austria recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Styria and Salzburg. According to the Austrian association of vaccine manufacturers, there was no death despite these worrying numbers, but the probability of serious illnesses, especially in people over 50 and also in children, as experts warn. Rainer Gattringer from MedUni Vienna explains that the number of unreported cases is high in untreated TBE cases, since many diseases are milder and are often not recognized as such. Even these mild symptoms can appear like a flu for those affected, which makes the situation alarming, as on krone.at reports.
So far, most infections have been recorded in the warm summer months, but the current statistics show that the first illness was already registered in March. Gattringer emphasizes that "one is practically never on the safe side", since all of Austria is considered an endemic area. The possibility of a TBE vaccination can help prevent serious illnesses. The vaccination program includes basic immunization that should begin in the cold months, followed by refreshing in certain time intervals.
important vaccination for all age groups
The need for vaccinations not only applies to children, but also affects adults, as research shows. 81 vaccine candidates for adults and 32 for children are currently in research. Gallo-Daniel emphasizes that it is crucial to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations in the entire life cycle in order to effectively combat infectious diseases. This is also an important step towards promoting community protection, since a higher vaccination rate also protects those that cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Regular refreshments are still necessary to ensure protection, as is noted on oevih.at .