Sharp upsurge in tick-borne encephalitis

A sharp increase has been recorded in the number of cases of tick-borne encephalitis in the Czech Republic. Last year, 1029 people were infected with the disease, which was 400 more than the previous year. Experts predict there could be even more infections this year, as last year's warm winter mean that the incidence of ticks that carry the disease is much more widespread. This year they have even been found in city parks as well as in their traditional rural habitats. Czech daily Pravo also reports that there is a shortage of encephalitis vaccines in the country at the moment, with demand far exceeding supply.

Author: Coilin O'Connor