Under the omnipresence of the corona pandemic and the associated logistical challenges, “important precautionary measures against other diseases should not suffer under any circumstances,” Haberlander emphasized in the broadcast.
The only reliable protection against TBE is the appropriate vaccination, which is particularly “generally recommended in our state as a TBE high-risk area”, the health officer justified her appeal to the population. Financial subsidies from the state enable the discounted delivery of vaccine doses to the district authorities and magistrates.
The viral disease TBE is transmitted by tick bites and leads to flu-like symptoms in about 30 percent of those infected. On average, every tenth patient suffers a severe course of the disease. Inflammation of the meninges and the brain itself associated with an infection can result in permanent damage such as paralysis, chronic headaches or disturbances of consciousness up to and including coma.
There is no specific therapy in the event of an outbreak of the disease, only vaccination can effectively prevent any consequences of TBE. Haberlander therefore appealed “to all Upper Austrians to check their vaccination status and to use the possibility of vaccination”.
The TBE vaccination can be administered from the first year of life, regular booster vaccinations are recommended. Information about the costs of the vaccination and the locations of the vaccination centers can be found in the information channels of the State of Upper Austria.
Source: Nachrichten
