0
0
Austria recorded fewer cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in 2025 compared with the unusually strong infection year of 2024, according to new figures released on Thursday by the Austrian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (ÖVIH). Experts, however, warn that the risk remains unchanged for people without vaccination protection.
A total of 132 hospitalised TBE cases were reported in 2025, marking a decline from 158 cases in 2024. Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Wien) said the latest season falls within the range of “typical annual fluctuations.”
Upper Austria Leads Case Numbers
Regional data show a clear concentration of infections in Oberösterreich (Upper Austria), where 53 cases were recorded — by far the highest number nationwide. Far behind were Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), Steiermark (Styria), Tirol (Tyrol) and Vorarlberg, each reporting twelve cases.
Health experts note that TBE hotspots shift slightly from year to year, both geographically and in altitude. As a result, Austria continues to classify the entire country as an endemic area in its national vaccination plan.
Despite the recent decline, infection numbers remain well below the record year of 2020, when more than 200 hospitalised TBE cases were documented. Specialists stress that the danger has not diminished for unvaccinated individuals. Data from MedUni Wien show that people over the age of 50 are not only infected more frequently but also tend to experience more severe disease courses.
Children Also Affected
TBE is not limited to older adults. In 2025, 14.4 percent of hospitalised patients were younger than 15 years. The youngest reported patient was an 18-day-old infant.
Infectious disease specialist Ursula Hollenstein emphasised that childhood vaccination should not be overlooked. According to Austria’s immunisation schedule, vaccination is possible from the age of one year and can effectively prevent long-term complications.
A Year-Round Risk Emerging
Another notable development is the expanding transmission season. In 2025, the first infection was recorded in April and the last in December. Experts warn that increasingly mild winters may allow ticks to remain active for longer periods, potentially turning TBE into a year-round concern.
“Warmer winters mean we may see infections even during winter months in the future,” Hollenstein said, recommending booster vaccinations during the colder season rather than waiting until ticks become highly active in spring.
Severe Courses in Half of Cases
Among 124 patients for whom clinical information was available, about half experienced severe disease involving inflammation of the central nervous system. Such complications can affect the meninges, brain, spinal cord or nerve roots and may lead to long-term symptoms such as concentration problems, reduced physical resilience or sensory disorders.
No TBE-related deaths have been recorded in Austria over the past two years.
Vaccination Remains Key Protection
Health authorities continue to stress that vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. Booster shots are recommended every five years, or every three years for people over 60. Experts also advise practical protective measures, such as wearing closed clothing when hiking through tall grass or wooded areas, to reduce tick exposure.
While annual case numbers fluctuate, specialists underline a consistent message: without vaccination, the risk of serious illness from tick-borne encephalitis remains significant across all regions of Austria.
- oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
This post has already been read 3 times!
