Tick-borne encephalitis cases rise sharply to nearly 340

Nearly 340 cases of tick-borne encephalitis have been diagnosed this year, around 100 more than were recorded during all of last year, Yle reports.

The number of cases has increased significantly over the summer, according to the infectious diseases register and information obtained by the Finnish News Agency STT from wellbeing services counties.

Cases have risen particularly sharply in Southwest Finland, Uusimaa, North Savo and North Ostrobothnia.

Most people diagnosed had either not received a vaccine against tick-borne encephalitis or had not completed their vaccination series.

There is no curative treatment for the disease, only treatment for its symptoms. A vaccine is available and is recommended in areas where tick-borne encephalitis occurs. The disease is spread by ticks.