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Author Spotlight: Controlled Human Exposure Model for Tick Research and Lyme Disease Studies
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Travel-Related Tick-Borne Encephalitis, Israel, 2006-2014
Abstract:
During 2006-2014, four tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases occurred among Israeli travelers. We calculated TBE incidence at 321.0, 45.0, 13.2, and 7.5 cases/100,000 travelers/year of travel to Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, respectively. TBE incidence among travelers to these destinations appears to justify TBE vaccination in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations.
Insights
Four tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases were reported in Israeli travelers between 2006-2014. Incidence rates suggest TBE vaccination may be warranted for travelers to Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a significant viral infection transmitted by ticks.
- Understanding TBE risk for international travelers is crucial for public health.
- Previous data on TBE incidence among Israeli travelers to endemic European regions is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of TBE among Israeli travelers visiting specific European countries.
- To assess the risk of TBE infection in relation to travel destinations.
- To inform vaccination recommendations for travelers based on calculated incidence rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of TBE cases among Israeli travelers from 2006 to 2014.
- Calculation of TBE incidence rates per 100,000 travelers per year for Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.
- Comparison of incidence rates across different destinations.
Main Results:
- Four TBE cases were identified among Israeli travelers during the study period.
- Calculated TBE incidence rates were highest in Sweden (321.0/100,000 traveler-years), followed by Switzerland (45.0), Austria (13.2), and Germany (7.5).
- Significant variation in TBE incidence was observed across the studied European countries.
Conclusions:
- The calculated TBE incidence rates in travelers to Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany are notable.
- These findings support the consideration of TBE vaccination for Israeli travelers visiting these regions.
- The results align with World Health Organization recommendations for TBE prevention in endemic areas.
