In 2022, there were 179 and in the first pandemic year 2020 even 216 TBE cases that had to be treated in the hospital. In the years before 2017, the number of cases was significantly lower due to the high vaccination rate. Last year, according to the Association of Vaccine Manufacturers, there were again many potentially avoidable, severe TBE cases, especially among people over 50 years old. Some children also became so severely ill that they had to be hospitalized, contrary to the assumption of many that children do not have severe courses. "All in all, a moderate balance that could probably have been better," summarized the association and appealed to the population to get vaccinated. The annual awareness campaign and the TBE vaccination campaign have already started.

Dark Figure Likely Higher

Overall, the number of reported illnesses is within the usual annual fluctuations of recent years. A similar rise and fall can also be seen in neighboring countries Germany and Switzerland. According to the association, this can be explained by various socio-economic, climatic, or ecological causes.

"It is difficult to estimate how high the infection numbers really are," explains Rainer Gattringer, Medical Director and Head of the Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology at the Wels-Grieskirchen Clinic. "There are probably significantly more TBE illnesses than these numbers suggest. However, they fortunately tend to be milder and are often not recognized as such. For those affected, they often feel more like the flu."

Upper Austria as TBE Leader

As in previous years, Upper Austria is again the leader in TBE case numbers. With 49 hospitalized patients, the state leads the ranking ahead of Styria with 22 and Salzburg with 19 cases. Styria has moved up in the ranking compared to previous years.

Most cases occurred, as usual, in the warm summer months. However, it was unusual that the peak of the cases already took place in June with 48 cases. The first TBE case was registered in March, the last in December. "TBE is thus increasingly becoming a year-round disease," emphasized Gattringer. "You are practically never on the safe side in terms of the season. This also applies to the location you are in. All of Austria is considered an endemic area, and the hotspots are constantly changing."

TBE Disease Can End in Death in the Worst Case

As in previous years, a large proportion of the affected individuals were over 50 years old (64 percent). "We also become immunologically older, and the function of the immune system declines. It is all the more important to get vaccinated as you age." However, of the total 158 cases, 21 were children. "This proves that the danger posed by TBE should not be taken lightly, even in children," said Gattringer. In 2024, the youngest patient was two years old, the oldest 86.

The severity of the disease is known for a large proportion of the documented TBE patients. As in previous years, it shows that more than half of those affected (53 percent) are severely ill. These patients exhibit neurological symptoms such as meningitis, myelitis, or radiculitis. "In the worst case, they never fully recover," said Gattringer. Fortunately, as in 2023, no deaths were recorded in 2024.

In most cases, TBE diseases can be prevented by regularly updated vaccinations. The basic immunization consists of three partial vaccinations, the first of which should ideally be carried out in the cold season. The first booster vaccination is necessary after three years, after which vaccination is only required every five years, provided you have not yet reached the age of 60. Those over 60 need a booster every three years again.

(APA/Red.)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.