tick borne encephalitis

[caitiebelle]

Hello everyone! I'm a student hoping (crossed fingers) to study in Rome for all of next (school) year. If I'm accepted, I'll be traveling all over Europe, and would really like to do some hiking (Black Forest, Alps, Ardennes...suggestions?); I've read a bit about tick borne encephalitis -should I be worried? Is it worth getting the vaccine? I'd appreciate any advice on this matter.
Thanks! ;D

[Kim]

I don't know if the vaccine is available in the US, to be honest. If it is, I'd get it just in case.

If not, there is an injection of TBE immunoglobulin (antibody) you can get if you do get bitten.

OK, just looked it up - it looks like if they don't have it, they might be able to order it but it doesn't look like it would be covered under an insurance plan.

When we went to Asia, we had about 4 vaccinations and we were fine but I'd definately get them all over again. If you are planning on doing any hiking, especially in the summer when the risk is the highest, I would say better safe than sorry.

Kim

[Rich]

Although this is a Canadian site (Health Canada), it does offer some good information about this viral illness.

www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/tmp-pmv/travel/tick_e.html

The fact that it is "Special Access" indicates that it is not deemed appropriate for the family doctor to prescribe for the general public. It is a case-by-case authorization that allows the drug to be released.

Another useful cite is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (similar info here, but it is an American site): www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/TBE.htm

To sum up:

1. Understand the symptoms if you are traveling in the woods of a susceptible region.
2. Take the precautions with insect repellant and proper clothing.
3. Don't let it bother your travels! The odds are slim......here in British Columbia, we have tics that can cause Lyme's Disease. This can also cause encephalitis. But even with the number of people in the woods here, the number of cases of Lyme's Disease is very small.......and an even smaller number of cases that develop into encephalitis.

Happy camping!
Firsttimer