First case of serious tick-spread disease in 16 years

A case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been confirmed in Västerbotten. This is the first case of locally contracted TBE since 2008, according to Folkbladet.

The TBE virus is found in the salivary glands of the tick and is transmitted by the bite. The incubation period can be from a week up to a month.

Foto: Kyrre Lien

Västerbotten2024-08-09 11:26

Angelika Doverstål

Paul Connolly

A case of TBE has been confirmed in Umeå this summer. Health officials believe the infection was contracted locally, marking the first such case since 2008.

Gunilla Persson, an infectious disease doctor, declined to disclose the patient's condition or the exact location of the infection. However, she expressed no surprise at the diagnosis.

– We've anticipated the northward spread of TBE. While this is the first confirmed case, it's a development we expected.

Despite the confirmed case, Persson advises against panic and unnecessary vaccinations.

– Review your vaccination status and consider protection if you're traveling to areas with higher TBE risk, such as southern Sweden or abroad, she said.

The doctor emphasized the importance of tick checks after spending time outdoors.

– Ticks are often found in skin folds like behind the knees and the groin, she explained.

Symptoms of TBE

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an infectious disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. Most people infected with TBE experience no symptoms at all.

Approximately one-third develop mild, flu-like symptoms that resolve within a week. However, a smaller percentage progresses to a more severe phase involving encephalitis (brain inflammation). Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, confusion, potential seizures, and paralysis. Notably, some individuals experience neurological symptoms without prior illness.

While most patients recover fully, a significant portion suffers long-term or permanent effects such as fatigue, memory issues, and, in rare cases, paralysis. Fatalities are uncommon. Children typically experience milder symptoms than adults but can also develop long-term complications.

Currently, there's no specific treatment for TBE. Medical care focuses on managing symptoms.

Source: Folkhälsomyndigheten

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