Czech Republic: 690 cases of tick-borne encephalitis reported as of December

Event

Health officials reported 690 cases of tick-borne encephalitis throughout the Czech Republic between January and December 2018, the highest number of cases reported since 2006. Czech health officials have advised people to take precautionary measures against ticks.

Context

Typical encephalitis can be spread via tick bite, with symptoms including headache, fever, aches in muscles or joints, fatigue or weakness. The symptoms of the more serious Japanese encephalitis include fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, difficulty moving, swelling around the brain, and coma.

Advice

To avoid tick bites, individuals should use insect repellent when outdoors and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when walking in densely wooded areas. Check for ticks after hikes and remove them immediately if discovered.