As of August 2021, the FDA approved TicoVac for use in individuals 1 year of age and older. TicoVac protects against tick-borne encephalitis, or brain inflammation as the result of an infected tick bite.
Tick-borne encephalitis is found in many areas of Europe and Asia. The WHO states 10,000-12,000 cases a year are reported, but estimates that number to be far less than the actual number. Ticks that spread tick-borne encephalitis are most common to grassy or forested areas of Europe and Asia. Vaccination and other protective measures such as insect repellent, long pants and shirts, and removing ticks in a timely manner can decrease the odds of contracting tick-borne encephalitis.
Travelers at highest risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis include those traveling between April and November. Beginning and end of summer are peak times for tick activity. Tick-borne encephalitis was previously only found at lower altitudes, but in the past thirty years has expanded to altitudes at 5,000 feet and above. Travelers camping, fishing, hiking, biking, collecting mushrooms and berries, and enjoying other outdoor activities are most at risk of tick bites.
Infection with tick-borne encephalitis can take days to weeks to manifest. It usually begins with flu-like symptoms and can progress to seizures, tremors, cognitive dysfunction, and more. A test of the blood or cerebrospinal fluid can tell physicians if a patient is positive for tick-borne encephalitis. There is no treatment for tick-borne encephalitis outside of managing symptoms such as fever and discomfort.
About Away Clinic
Away Clinic provides vaccines, including TicoVac, to individuals who are planning to travel to some of the world’s most exotic locations. Away Clinic’s two locations in the Southeast Valley (Scottsdale and Chandler) continually stock all vaccines that a traveler may need. In addition to vaccinations, we provide malaria prescriptions and travel health education. Andrea An, MD of Gilbert, Arizona, is the medical director.
Press contact: Aaron Charlton, PhD (contact@awayclinic.com)