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.