Austria's tick-borne encephalitis cases surge as vaccination rates decline in 2025

Austria recorded 132 cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in 2025, with the vast majority affecting unvaccinated individuals. Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination as climate change pushes ticks into new areas. The country has seen a decline in vaccine coverage, raising concerns about future outbreaks. TBE has been a long-standing health risk in Austria, where vaccination was first approved in 1976. Despite this, coverage has dropped to around 80 percent, leaving many vulnerable. Data shows that 85 percent of infections occur in unvaccinated people, while 12 percent affect those who missed booster doses.

The disease remains a serious threat, with over 4,000 severe cases prevented by vaccination since 2000. Survivors often suffer long-term effects, including chronic headaches, paralysis, or seizures. Without immunisation, more than 10,000 hospitalisations and roughly 80 deaths would have occurred in the same period. Tick activity is also shifting due to climate change. The *Ixodes ricinus* species, the main carrier of TBE, is now found at higher elevations. Oberösterreich reported the highest number of cases in 2025, with 53 infections compared to over 200 nationwide in 2020. While the entire country remains an endemic area, monitoring reports from AGES lack precise details on altitude changes or the presence of *Hyalomma* ticks. Austria recommends the TBE vaccine for everyone aged six months and older. Once fully immunised, only a single booster dose is needed to maintain protection.

The decline in vaccination rates comes as ticks spread to new regions. Officials urge residents to stay up to date with immunisations to prevent severe illness. Without increased coverage, the number of TBE cases—and their long-term consequences—could rise in the coming years.