Risk and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis in travelers

Abstract

With increasing travel to areas of high TBE endemicity, travelers are at considerable risk for travel-associated TBEV infection. Since neither specific therapy nor effective postexposure immunization exists, active prophylactic immunization is the most effective method for TBE prevention. Based on an estimated attack rate of travel-associated TBE in high-risk areas, and on a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio, TBEV vaccination can be recommended for tourists going to high-risk TBE regions who intend to pursue outdoor activities.