Abstract

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a communicable disease caused by a flavivirus, infected ticks being the main vectors. It affects the nervous system, with at least four clinical features of varying severity: meningitis, menin-goencephalitis, meningo encephalomyelitis and menin-goradiculoneuritis. It is a preventable disease, which is rapidly becoming a growing public health problem in Europe. So far no causal treatment is possible but an efficient and safe vaccination is available. The disease in children is generally milder, although severe illness may occur and even lead to permanent impairment of the quality of life due to neuropsychological sequelae. In countries where TBE is endemic and not prevented by immunization both children and adults are affected. Therefore immunization should be offered also to all children living or travelling to endemic areas.

During the 6th meeting of the International Scientific Working Group on TBE with the main conference issue “Tick-borne encephalitis in childhood” an international consensus was achieved. It comprises essential recom-mendations for the scientific community working in the field of TBE and TBE vaccination.