Preventing Tick-borne Encephalitis

Key points

  • Tick-borne encephalitis virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected tick.
  • Tick-borne encephalitis occurs in or near forests in parts of Europe and Asia.
  • The best way to prevent tick-borne encephalitis is to prevent tick bites and get vaccinated before traveling, if vaccination is recommended for you.
Person spraying insect repellent on another's arm

Prevention tips

Tick-borne encephalitis virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks that spread tick-borne encephalitis virus live in or near forests in parts of Europe and Asia.

The best way to prevent tick-borne encephalitis is to protect yourself from tick bites and get vaccinated before traveling, if vaccination is recommended for you.

  • Use insect repellent
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
  • Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin
  • Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors

Additional information about protecting yourself from tick bites is available on the CDC Ticks website.

To avoid getting tick-borne encephalitis from infected dairy products, avoid eating or drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk and cheese from goats, sheep, or cows in affected areas.

Diagram of a woman in the forest illustrating where on the body to look for ticks.
Check your clothing and body for ticks after being outdoors.

Getting vaccinated‎

All travelers to countries with risk of tick-borne encephalitis should take steps to avoid tick bites and discuss the need for vaccination with their healthcare provider.
Vaccine
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)