Finland records a record number of tick-borne encephalitis cases

Finland has recorded more than 390 cases of tick-borne encephalitis so far this year, a record, Yle reports. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s communicable disease register recorded fewer than 240 cases last year and 61 a decade ago.

South Karelia has also reported a record number of cases for the region, with 16 registered so far. At least two more cases may not yet be included, said Annika Luukkainen, an infectious disease chief physician for the South Karelia wellbeing services county. The region’s previous record was 12 cases in 2023.

All those infected in South Karelia were unvaccinated, and most were middle-aged. More than half needed hospital care for several weeks, and recovery and rehabilitation could also take weeks. There have been no deaths or cases requiring intensive care this year, but Luukkainen said patients have been more seriously ill than in recent years. The disease can cause lasting symptoms and, in severe cases, brain inflammation, paralysis, or difficulty speaking or understanding words.

Tick-borne encephalitis can pass to a person within minutes of a tick bite, Luukkainen said, adding that checking for ticks in the evening may already be too late. Symptoms include fever, headache and a general feeling of illness.

Vaccination is the only way to protect against the disease, as there is no curative treatment. The vaccine is currently available for a fee only in certain risk areas. In South Karelia, these include the Sammonlahti district of Lappeenranta and the Kuusimäki and Lavola areas. The vaccine protects against tick-borne encephalitis, but not Lyme disease, another illness spread by ticks.

Cases are reported to the national institute, which may add new areas to its vaccination recommendations. Luukkainen encouraged people outside areas where the vaccine is offered free of charge to consider getting vaccinated if possible, preferably well before next spring and summer.