Warning over tick borne disease

Jun 7 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

THE Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is warning holidaymakers to beware of potentially deadly ticks this summer.

Its pre-travel clinic is supporting a national campaign to make European travellers more aware of tick-borne encephalitis, which can cause meningitis, paralysis and even death.

The school says those who enjoy the outdoors are particularly at risk, as TBE infected ticks are usually found in rural areas from late spring and throughout the summer.

Dr Lisa Ford from the clinic said most travellers to tick-endemic countries in Europe were unaware of the danger.

She said only one in five travellers sought protection and two-thirds did not know they needed to take precautions.

The disease can lead to meningitis and, in serious cases, paralysis and death.

It is endemic in 27 countries across mainland Europe, including destinations growing in popularity such as Croatia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia.

It has also spread to more established holiday destinations such as Italy, Switzerland, Greece and France.

Dr Ford added: “Vaccination is available at school of tropical medicine and other travel clinics if arranged in advance.”

The clinic can be contacted at 0151 708 9393, and further information on TBE can be found at www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm