Tick-Borne Encephalitis in the 21st Century: Epidemiology, Clinical Challenges, and Prevention Strategies

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an emerging viral infection in Europe and Asia. Climate and environmental changes are expanding the distribution and activity of Ixodes ticks, increasing human exposure. Most infections are asymptomatic, but symptomatic cases may present with a biphasic illness that can progress to meningitis or encephalitis, sometimes leading to long-term neurological sequelae, particularly in the elderly population. Currently, treatment is limited to supportive care, as no specific antiviral therapy is available. Effective vaccines exist and represent the main preventive strategy, although coverage remains variable. This paper provides an overview of epidemiology, clinical features, and prevention of TBE.