In Västerbotten County, not a single case of tick-borne TBE has been reported in the past ten years, according to the news site Newsworthy.
Despite the number of cases increasing in almost the entire country, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden, Västerbotten County remains unaffected – so far.
In 2023, a total of 594 cases were reported in Sweden. This is a significant increase from the previous year when the number was 451. Over a ten-year period, the total number of cases in the country has nearly tripled.
The southern and central parts of the country are where most Swedes are infected. Stockholm County is the most affected. In 2023, 121 cases were reported there, an increase of 66 percent from the previous year when the number of cases was 73, according to Newsworthy.
Today, only the counties of Jämtland, Västernorrland, Västerbotten, and Norrbotten do not have any municipalities with a high incidence of TBE in Sweden. However, this does not mean that TBE has not been found in these areas at all.
TBE is a viral disease spread by ticks. The incubation period is usually one to two weeks. Most people infected show no symptoms, but about one-third develop mild flu-like symptoms, and a further portion develop more severe symptoms, including encephalitis, high fever, headache, and confusion. Some may also experience seizures and paralysis.
Most people recover completely, but some may have prolonged or permanent issues.
Vaccination is available and recommended by regional infection control units for those who frequent areas with a high incidence of TBE.