The Public Health Office (ÚVZ) of the Slovak Republic recommends vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis even before the beginning of spring. He warns that it is a disease that can leave neurological problems and in risky cases can end in death. The most reliable protection against tick-borne encephalitis is vaccination. The office stated this on the social network.
- ÚVZ SR recommends vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis even before spring.
- The disease can cause serious neurological problems or even death.
- The most cases were reported in the Banskobystricky and Žilina regions in 2025.
- The virus is spread by being bitten and by consuming unheated milk and products.
- A two-phase course with severe symptoms is typical for tick-borne encephalitis.
“We recommend vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis to all people, especially those who may come into contact with ticks in the course of their work. For example, employees in forestry, surveyors, markers of hiking trails, hunters, employees of mountain huts and cable cars, etc. We also recommend it to people who spend their free time in nature – dog walkers, mushroom pickers, tourists, etc.” pointed out ÚVZ.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a serious acute infectious viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). In 2025, 193 cases of the disease were reported in Slovakia, most from the Banskobystrické and Žilina regions, which is an increase compared to 169 cases from 2024. “The cause of most cases is being pinched, but the virus can also be transmitted by drinking fresh, unheated milk (most often sheep’s or goat’s) or by consuming products made from them, such as cheese or bryndza,” the office warned.
A two-phase clinical course of the disease is typical for tick-borne encephalitis. The first phase is manifested by flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache and muscle pain, nausea, loss of appetite. This is followed by a symptom-free period that lasts from one to 20 days. The second phase is characterized by symptoms of central nervous system involvement – escalating severe headaches, vomiting, neck stiffness, disorders of consciousness, memory and even disorientation, dizziness, nerve palsy.
The long-term consequences of the disease include headaches, fatigue, impaired memory, concentration, long-term neurological problems and even paralysis. In risky cases, the disease can end in death.
