Tick-borne encephalitis cases rise across Europe, prompting accelerated vaccination

Health authorities in Sweden and the Czech Republic report a sharp increase in tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) infections. Sweden recorded 213 cases up to 20 July, more than double the 111 cases at the same point in 2024, and the total for 2025 reached 503, reflecting an average six‑percent annual rise over the past decade. In the Czech Vysočina region, ten cases were reported in the first half of 2024, rising to 14 in the same period in 2025 – a 40 % jump.

Experts attribute the surge to warmer temperatures and earlier springs that boost tick activity, as well as increased outdoor exposure. TBE can cause severe neurological complications, including encephalitis.

Both countries are urging vaccination, with the Czech health system covering the cost for people over 50 and offering accelerated summer schedules where the second dose is given 14 days after the first. Since 2022, the Czech insurer VZP has funded vaccination for roughly 470 000 individuals, spending about 900 million CZK. Regional programs in Sweden also provide free vaccines for children in selected counties.