The Alps - Tick bourne encephalitis

[Youknowaboutthepaint]

My travel advice says no compulsory vaccinations but you may want to consider one for tick bourne encephalitis.

How much of a problem are ticks in that region and would you/have you had the vaccination.

I'm by no means anti vaxx but also not keen to have unnecessary ones. I have asked GP surgery, but they weren't willing/able to advise.

Also do people not wear shorts when hiking in the Alps or is vigilance and a tick remover sufficient?

[Lonelycrab]

I’ve had multiple summer trips to the Alps, normally Morzine area for mountain biking, so out all day in the hills.

Never once had a tick there, neither have those I’ve gone with.

However I also go to Wales for the same in Snowdonia and often pick them up there. I’m surprised if I don’t have a few infact.

Just my experience so don’t take it as gospel but thought I’d share.

[Youknowaboutthepaint]

Yes, I thought that might be the case. The notes make it sound like everyone in the region is scared of ticks. I'm not sure if they carry encephalitis in UK though?

[Lonelycrab]

In the U.K. it’s Lyme isn’t it. But despite having been bitten many times (my friends call me the tick magnet) I thankfully haven’t had that yet. Not being complacent as it’s pretty awful but I think as long as youre vigilant with a tick remover tool and get them off quickly, the chances are reasonably low, from experience.