Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Beware of Ticks sign attached to a tree

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is spread through the bite of an infected tick. Occasionally, TBE virus can spread to people through eating or drinking raw milk or cheese from infected goats, sheep, or cows.

TBE virus can be found in parts of the region stretching from western and northern Europe through northern and eastern Asia. People who travel to these areas might be at risk for infection. TBE virus is not found in the United States. The ticks that spread TBE virus are most active in warmer months (April through November). People who spend time outdoors in or near forests are at highest risk of being bitten by a tick infected with TBE virus.