Teck alarm in Vorarlberg: first TBE case of the season recorded!

Teck alarm in Vorarlberg: first TBE case of the season recorded!

Vorarlberg, Österreich - The first case of early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE) has already been reported in Vorarlberg this season. This viral infectious disease, which is mainly transmitted by ticks, shows the first signs of a worrying increase in the number of cases. According to kosmo 20 confirmed FSME infections were recorded throughout the previous year, and with the start of the current tick season, the number could increase this year.

Vorarlberg has the lowest vaccination rate throughout Austria with a TBE vaccination rate of less than 70 percent. In comparison, other federal states such as Upper Austria and Lower Austria recorded higher vaccination rates. Virologist Rainer Gattringer attributes the increasing number of cases to existing vaccination, changing leisure behavior and the mild winter that favor tick activity.

increase in willingness to vaccinate

In order to increase the willingness to vaccinate in particular in the risk areas, educational campaigns and discounted vaccination campaigns are planned. TBE can lead to serious inflammation in the brain, spinal cord and meninges and shows a course of the disease that can vary from mild symptoms to serious consequential damage. With an incidence of 5–15 %, the infection leads to a central nervous nervous disease in some patients, while below 1 % of those affected ultimately dies to TBE.

The symptoms of TBE infection can be flu-like and include fever, headache or balance disorders. The health portal emphasizes that not every tick stitch transfers the virus and not every infection has to lead to an outbreak of illness. There is no causal treatment for TBE, which is why vaccination is considered the most effective prevention measure. The protective effect of the TBE vaccination is 95–99 % if the vaccination scheme is carried out correctly.

ticks and their dangers

ticks prefer to live in bushes, bushes and meadows, with mild to summer temperatures and high humidity promoting their activity. With a tick bite, it is important to remove it quickly to minimize the risk of infection. The recommendation is to use suitable tweezers and grasp the tick up close to pull it out. Disinfection of the puncture site after the distance is also advised. Otherwise, Borreliosis infections, the most common secondary disease after a tick bite, must also be taken into account. There is also no vaccination on Lyme disease, but treatment with antibiotics is possible.

In Austria, it is now considered secure that no federal state is TBE-free. The increase in diseases underlines the need for increased educational work and extensive prevention measures in the population