Record High Tick-Borne Encephalitis Cases in Sweden Spark Public Health Alerts
Sweden reports record high TBE cases, prompting public health alerts and vaccination recommendations.
Key Points
- • 269 TBE cases reported by August 18, 2025, a record high for Sweden.
- • Factors contributing to surge include climate change and increased outdoor activities.
- • Vaccination against TBE is recommended, especially in high-risk areas.
- • Approximately ten fatalities occur annually from TBE in Sweden.
Sweden is facing a concerning public health situation as records show an unprecedented 269 cases of Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE) reported as of August 18, 2025. This figure sets a new high, surpassing the cumulative total of 384 TBE cases documented throughout the entirety of 2024. Reports indicate a link between this surge and various factors, primarily the effects of climate change, which has extended tick seasons significantly.
Caroline Schönning, an investigator at the Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten), emphasizes that the recent spike in cases coincides with increased outdoor activities during the summer months, leading to greater human exposure to ticks. "The warmer weather has resulted in a longer season for ticks, consequently raising infection risks for those spending time outdoors," Schönning stated.
While many individuals infected with TBE may experience mild symptoms or remain asymptomatic, the disease can lead to severe health complications involving the nervous system. Common symptoms include high fever, intense headache, vomiting, light sensitivity, neck stiffness, and concentration difficulties. In more severe cases, TBE can result in paralysis and even fatalities, with approximately ten deaths attributed to the disease annually in Sweden, according to data from the Socialstyrelsen (Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare).
Vaccination is strongly recommended to curb the spread of TBE, especially for those living in or traveling to areas with high tick populations. Notably, regions such as Västra Götaland, Östergötland, Södermanland, Stockholm, and Värmland have been designated as high-risk due to observed case numbers. Out of Sweden’s 290 municipalities, 173 have been identified as high-risk zones based on the occurrence of TBE cases. In addition to vaccination, public health authorities advise outdoor enthusiasts to regularly check for ticks and act swiftly to remove them, thereby reducing the likelihood of infection.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping that increased public awareness and vaccination efforts will help mitigate the ongoing TBE outbreak in Sweden.