19 April 2007

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS UNAWARE OF TICK DISEASE RISK IN EUROPE

Thousands of outdoor sports enthusiasts, including orienteerers, are
heading for countries where a deadly tick disease exists but are unaware of
the dangers, according to a survey.

Research by Tick Alert reveals that 50 per cent of adventure holidaymakers
plan to visit at least one destination in 2007 where Tick Borne Encephalitis
(TBE) is endemic. But while 78 per cent had heard of the disease only 1 in 5
sought protection on previous travels and two-thirds didn't know they need
to take precautions.

The world's experts on TBE warn that more outdoor enthusiasts are at risk
than ever when travelling in Europe this summer.

Leading scientists have confirmed the disease, which can lead to meningitis
and in serious cases result in paralysis and death, is now endemic in 27
countries across mainland Europe, an increase of 11 on 2006.

The Tick Alert campaign warns UK travellers to check risk areas and seek
further information and advice available at
www.masta-travel-health.com/tickalert.

Ticks carrying the disease are found in many destinations growing in
popularity such as Croatia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia and have now
spread to parts of established holiday spots such as Italy, Greece and
France. The chances of being bitten are greater as global warming increases the
number of ticks in the countryside. It is estimated that there are over
10,000 cases of TBE each year in endemic countries.

Professor Michael Kunze, of the Medical University Vienna, Austria and a
leading expert in the prevention of TBE, said: "Every contact with grass or
bushes in these countries is potentially dangerous.

"Travellers from non-endemic countries such as the UK are hardly aware at
all of the potential risks of TBE when journeying into an endemic country."

TBE-infected ticks are found typically in rural and forest areas from late
spring and throughout summer. At-risk groups include all visitors to rural
areas of endemic countries, particularly those participating in outdoor
activities such as trekking, hiking, climbing, cycling and camping.

For media enquiries please contact Lisa McGauley, Richard Harrison or Sam
Addie at the Tick Alert press office on 01943 468010 or email,
lisa@tickalert.org, richard@tickalert.org or sam@tickalert.org.

Note

* The Foreign Office advises that visitors to TBE endemic regions
seek advice from their local surgery or clinic - well before travelling.

* TBE endemic countries are: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania,
Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine.

* A number of measures can be taken to reduce the risk of
infection: these include using an insect repellent, wearing trousers and
long-sleeved clothing to cover all areas of exposed skin, regularly
inspecting for tick bites and carefully removing any found. The disease can
also be transmitted by the ingestion of unpasteurised milk which should be
avoided.

Close this window