Health officials in Sweden’s Västra Götaland region reported a significant increase in tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases during 2025, with 94 people diagnosed compared to 62 in the previous season. This upward trend has prompted renewed calls for early vaccination as the tick season begins.
According to Smittskydd Västra Götaland, the rise in cases follows an early start to the tick season last year. Thomas Wahlberg, the region’s infectious disease physician, emphasized the importance of timely vaccination, stating, “We saw an early start to the season last year, so proceed and gain vaccinated and take your follow-up doses in good time.”
Västra Götaland remains a high-risk area for TBE, and health officials continue to recommend vaccination as the most effective preventive measure for individuals spending time in tick-prone environments. The disease, spread by tick bites, can cause serious brain inflammation, though many cases present with mild symptoms like fever and headache.
In response to the growing concern, free TBE vaccination is now available for three-year-olds in the region who are registered residents. The program, which began in January 2026, covers the full primary vaccination series of three doses. Eligibility extends from the year a child turns three until the day before their fourth birthday.
Nationally, TBE is expanding into new areas of Sweden. The Public Health Agency of Sweden reported that in 2025, cases were identified in four municipalities, including three in Skåne—a region where the disease had not previously been recorded. This reflects a broader pattern of increasing geographical spread across Götaland and Svealand.
While most people infected with TBE recover fully, up to 40 percent of those with severe cases may experience long-lasting or permanent effects. There is no specific treatment for the virus, making prevention through vaccination critical.
Health authorities advise that ticks are typically active from April to November but can remain a risk during warmer winter periods. Getting vaccinated well before the peak season ensures optimal protection against this potentially serious illness.
