A significant increase in tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases was reported in Sweden during 2025, with 504 confirmed infections, according to the latest statistics from the Public Health Agency of Sweden.
This represents a rise of 120 cases compared to the 384 reported in 2024. Simultaneously, a recent survey indicates that one in four Swedes experienced at least one tick bite in the past year. The growing incidence of TBE is a public health concern, prompting increased awareness and preventative measures.
Since 2014, the number of TBE cases in Sweden has more than doubled, climbing from 178 in 2014 to 596 in 2023, 384 in 2024, and 504 in 2025. This trend coincides with a lengthening tick season and a widening geographic distribution of the TBE virus. Notably, 2025 marked the first year with reported domestic cases of TBE throughout all twelve months.
Currently, the risk of TBE infection remains highest in Götaland and southern Svealand. Several regions, including Stockholm, Södermanland, Värmland, Västra Götaland, and Östergötland, continue to be classified as high-risk areas by regional infection control authorities, confirming a sustained elevated risk across much of the country.
Vaccination Completion is Key Despite High Demand
Demand for the TBE vaccine remains strong in Sweden. In 2025, 1.3 million doses were sold, compared to 1.4 million in 2024 and 1.9 million in 2023. The proportion of the Swedish population vaccinated against TBE has increased over the past seven years.
A recent survey revealed that 26% of Swedes reported at least one tick bite in the last year, while half of the population has received at least one dose of the TBE vaccine. However, despite believing they were adequately vaccinated, only half had followed the recommended vaccination schedule. This finding highlights a potential gap in protection, as complete vaccination is crucial for optimal immunity.
“The continued high level of TBE cases underscores the importance of not only initiating vaccination but also completing the entire vaccination schedule,” says Katherina Zakikhany-Gilg, senior medical advisor at Pfizer in Sweden. “Full protection requires three initial doses followed by regular booster doses. We see therefore wise to review your protection and check your vaccination status, especially before the summer. TBE can cause brain inflammation with long-term and, in some cases, permanent complications, and as there is no curative treatment, vaccination is the best way to prevent TBE.”
TBE is a viral disease transmitted by ticks, spreading between animals and humans through tick bites. While many individuals experience no symptoms or only mild ones, severe TBE manifests as brain inflammation characterized by high fever, severe headache, and sometimes seizures and paralysis.
Most people fully recover, but up to 30% experience prolonged or persistent symptoms such as fatigue, memory problems, and similar issues. In rare cases, permanent paralysis can occur. The findings emphasize the importance of preventative measures and adherence to vaccination schedules to mitigate the risk of this potentially serious illness.
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1. Folkhälsomyndigheten: Sjukdomsstatistik om TBE
2. Undersökning. På uppdrag av Pfizer intervjuade Ipsos GmbH 27 858 vuxna (18-65 år) i nio europeiska länder. I Sverige intervjuades 2 431 respondenter. Dessutom fick intervjupersonerna ange hur deras vaccination såg ut för hela hushållet vilket innebar att undersökningen för Sverige omfattade 7 725 individer inräknat hela hushållet, dvs totala antalet respondenter plus övriga hushållsmedlemmar. Urvalet har gjorts för att statistiskt representera den demografiska landsprofilen, baserat på Eurostats uppgifter för ålder, kön, yrkesstatus och region för varje enskilt land. Intervjuer genomfördes via en webbpanel 1 till 29 augusti 2025. Vänligen kontakta Anja Gilvad ([email protected]) för mer information.
3. IQVIA: Pfizer, data on file
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