Tick-borne encephalitis in the Åland Islands, Finland: incidence and disease course since the implementation of a general TBE vaccination programme
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a potentially life-threatening viral disease with rising incidence in Europe. This retrospective study investigates the incidence, clinical course, and long-term outcome of TBE in Åland, a region endemic for the disease, following the introduction of a TBE vaccination programme in 2006. All patients diagnosed with TBE in Åland between 2006 and 2023, in accordance with the diagnostic criteria established by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), were included in the study. A review of medical records was conducted, and epidemiological and laboratory data were systematically collected. Disease severity and clinical outcome were assessed. TBE was diagnosed in 145 patients (66% male; median age 53 years; 10% children
Fields of Study & Subjects
Vector-borne infectious diseases
Yersinia bacterium
plague
ectoparasites research
Mosquito-borne diseases and control
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Emerging Microbes & Infections
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 2640705–2640705
- Publication date
- 5 March 2026
- Language
- EN