Advice for travel to Europe Do you think you don’t need vaccines if you’re only travelling to Europe? You might want to think again. Tick-Borne Encephalitis is a risk in many countries in Europe and many travellers have no idea they could be at risk of this devastating disease. credit: Travel Health Pro What is it? The virus, spread by ticks, attacks the central nervous system. It is rarely fatal but symptoms are similar to those you would associate with meningitis. Some people suffer long term neurological problems after being infected with the disease. There is no cure, the treatment is to relieve the symptoms while the infection takes its course. The disease is vaccine preventable. How to protect yourself. Avoid areas that are heavily infested with ticks. Check for ticks regularly and carefully remove any that you find using a tick removal tool. Wear long loose clothing and use insect repellents. Avoid eating or drinking unpasteurised dairy products in areas where tick borne encephalitis is found. Consider seeing a Travel Health Specialist for advice on Tick Borne Encephalitis vaccination Masta Ltd Find out more by visiting the Masta website Manage Cookie Preferences