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Updated: Feb 2, 2026
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Saliva, Salivary Gland, and Hemolymph Collection from Ixodes scapularis Ticks
Published on: February 21, 2012
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Tick-borne encephalitis in Europe, 2012 to 2016
Julien Beauté1, Gianfranco Spiteri1, Eva Warns-Petit2,3
1European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a growing concern in the EU, with over 12,500 cases reported between 2012-2016. High notification rates were observed in the Baltic states, highlighting regional disparities in TBE incidence.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been a notifiable disease across the European Union since 2012.
- Data collection is managed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) using the EU case definition.
- Surveillance data from 2012 to 2016 provides insights into TBE epidemiology within the EU.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological trends and patterns of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the European Union between 2012 and 2016.
- To identify geographical hotspots and population groups with high TBE notification rates.
- To assess key epidemiological characteristics including case confirmation, fatality, importation, and vaccination status.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of TBE surveillance data reported by 23 EU countries, Iceland, and Norway.
- Calculation of annual and subnational notification rates per 100,000 population.
- Examination of case confirmation status, hospitalization rates, case fatality ratio, importation status, and vaccination history.
Main Results:
- A total of 12,500 TBE cases were reported between 2012-2016, with 93% confirmed. Two countries, the Czech Republic and Lithuania, accounted for a disproportionately high percentage of cases relative to their population.
- Notification rates varied significantly, with Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia exhibiting the highest rates. Five out of six regions with rates above 15 cases per 100,000 population were in the Baltic countries.
- The majority of cases (95%) were hospitalized, with a case fatality ratio of 0.5%. Imported cases were rare (<2%), and vaccination coverage of two or more doses was less than 2%.
Conclusions:
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) surveillance data reveals significant geographical variations in incidence across the EU, particularly concentrated in the Baltic region.
- The high hospitalization rate underscores the severity of TBE, while low vaccination rates suggest potential for improved public health interventions.
- Continued monitoring and targeted public health strategies are essential to manage the burden of TBE in affected European countries.
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