Austria's tick-borne encephalitis cases rise as vaccination rates slip to 80%
Austria's tick-borne encephalitis cases rise as vaccination rates slip to 80%
Austria's tick-borne encephalitis cases rise as vaccination rates slip to 80%
Austria has recorded 132 cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in 2025, with health officials highlighting a drop in vaccination rates. Coverage has fallen to around 80 percent, raising concerns as most infections occur in unvaccinated individuals. The disease continues to pose serious risks, including long-term health issues for survivors. TBE vaccination has been available in Austria since 1976, with the programme credited for preventing over 10,000 hospitalisations and 80 deaths since 2000. Officials estimate that without vaccines, more than 4,000 severe cases would have occurred. Despite its success, only 80 percent of the population is now fully protected.
The highest number of TBE cases in 2025 was reported in Oberösterreich, with 53 infections. Niederösterreich, Steiermark, Tirol, and Vorarlberg each recorded 12 cases. These figures reflect disease incidence rather than tick population counts, as monitoring programmes like MONZEC and AGES track shifts in risk areas. Ticks are increasingly found above 1,000 metres, with FSME hotspots moving to higher elevations. While exact data on tick spread in Austria's mountains over the past five years remains limited, ongoing surveillance continues. Residents can submit ticks to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) for analysis. Health authorities recommend TBE vaccination for everyone aged six months and older. Once fully immunised, a single booster dose suffices, even if delayed. However, 85 percent of infections still occur in unvaccinated people, with another 12 percent affecting those who missed booster shots. Survivors often suffer lasting complications, such as chronic headaches, paralysis, or seizures.
The decline in vaccination rates comes as TBE remains a persistent threat, particularly in unprotected individuals. With ticks spreading to higher altitudes and cases rising in certain regions, health officials continue to stress the importance of immunisation. The vaccine programme has already prevented thousands of severe outcomes, but maintaining high coverage remains critical.
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