Instructions for using the services
Read more
rices for general practitioners may vary according to the specialist. You can see the exact price on the general practitioner's own page or in the online booking by clicking on the doctor's name.
| Service | Price estimate | Info |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation visit, 20 min Price per visit. | from 95,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 103,80 € Price estimate from 95,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 103,80 € | Price per visit. |
| Consultation visit, 30 min Price per visit. | from 131,10 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,10 € Price estimate from 131,10 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,10 € | Price per visit. |
| Consultation visit, 45 min Price per visit. | from 173,60 € Without Kela reimbursement from 181,60 € Price estimate from 173,60 € Without Kela reimbursement from 181,60 € | Price per visit. |
Revised 3/1/2025
Published 3/3/2025
The incubation period for tick-borne encephalitis varies from about 7 to 28 days. The European type of virus often has a biphasic course. Approximately 10–30% of infected people develop first-phase symptoms, and approximately one in three develop more severe second-phase symptoms. TBE infections can therefore be asymptomatic.
Initially, the symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis may be vague and resemble a cold. Typical first-phase symptoms include a fever, headache and joint pain. The symptoms of the first phase last about a week, after which most people recover and get lifelong immunity.
Inflammation of the brain can develop if the disease progresses to the second phase. Typical symptoms of the second phase include a fever, headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Other neurological symptoms such as impaired consciousness, seizures or symptoms of paralysis may also occur.
If tick-borne encephalitis progresses to the second phase, you should seek treatment. If left untreated, tick-borne encephalitis can cause damage to the brain, long-term symptoms or even be life-threatening.
Suspected tick-borne encephalitis always requires a doctor’s assessment, especially if the symptoms are severe or neurological. A remote appointment may be sufficient for the initial assessment of symptoms, but an in-person appointment with a doctor is recommended if the symptoms worsen or if you would like to confirm the diagnosis.
Tick-borne encephalitis is diagnosed with blood tests for TBE virus antibodies and antibodies of class IgM. The presence of TBE antibodies indicates that you have been exposed to the TBE virus.
Treatment of tick-borne encephalitis is mainly symptomatic, as there is no cure for the virus. The aim of the treatment is to alleviate symptoms and prevent the development of complications.
Mild symptoms can be treated at home with painkillers, fever-lowering medication, rest and hydration. In severe cases, the patient may require hospital and supportive care, such as hydration or breathing assistance.
The majority of people with TBE do not develop any symptoms at all, and most of them recover completely. The mortality rate for tick-borne encephalitis is approximately 0.5–1%.
Some people may suffer from long-term or permanent symptoms. These symptoms are similar to those of a brain injury and vary depending on where in the brain the inflammation has caused damage.
The chronic form of tick-borne encephalitis is rare but may affect treatment options and require long-term monitoring.
The prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis has increased in recent decades. The proportion of TBE carriers among ticks varies greatly from region to region, but is usually around 1–2%. Tick bites do not always lead to an infection, but the risk of infection exists especially in areas with a high prevalence and increases when moving around in nature.
Tick-borne encephalitis occurs particularly in the Åland Islands and the southwest coast, as well as in Uusimaa and the border regions of southeastern Finland. TBE is more common in certain geographical areas and in terrains where ticks thrive. Regional differences are partly due to geographical and climatic factors that affect the habitat and activity of ticks.
Individual cases of tick-borne encephalitis are also possible in other coastal areas. The number of infections, however, is probably significantly higher than the number of diagnosed cases.
The TBE virus belongs to the group of flaviviruses and its biological properties make it dangerous. The virus is able to penetrate the central nervous system and, in the worst case, can cause encephalitis.
The effective transmission of the TBE virus via ticks is due to the virus’ ability to persist in the tick’s salivary glands, from where it is transferred to animals or humans when biting. Infection occurs within minutes. Also nymphs and larva, the early stages of tick development, can spread the virus in connection with a blood meal, which they need to progress to the next stage.
Tick-borne encephalitis infection can also spread through the unpasteurised milk of cows, goats and sheep who are infected with the disease. Eating and drinking unpasteurised dairy products should be avoided in the risk areas.
Since the TBE virus spreads within minutes of a tick bite, tick-borne encephalitis is best prevented with protective clothing, an effective insect repellent and a TBE vaccine. Performing a tick check after moving around in nature also helps to prevent tick bites.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral disease that usually spreads through a tick bite. Tick-borne encephalitis is also known as the Kumlingen disease. The English name of the disease is tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
There are European, Siberian and Far Eastern subtypes of the virus. In Finland, there is mainly a European type of virus, which often has a biphasic disease pattern.
The disease pattern of the type of virus which is more common in Finland is often biphasic. The majority of people with TBE do not develop any symptoms at all, and most of them recover completely.
If symptoms occur, tick-borne encephalitis initially causes cold-like symptoms such as a fever and headache, but can progress to more serious neurological symptoms such as neck stiffness and balance disorders.
The incubation period for tick-borne encephalitis from the time the tick bites to the onset of symptoms varies between approximately 7 and 28 days. Approximately 10–30% of infected people develop first-phase symptoms, and approximately one in three develop more severe second-phase symptoms.
The best way to prevent tick-borne encephalitis:
Performing a tick check after moving around in nature also helps to prevent tick bites.
Tick-borne encephalitis can be dangerous. An infection may lead to serious neurological complications and require hospitalisation. The mortality rate for tick-borne encephalitis is approximately 0.5–1%. However, the majority of people with TBE do not develop any symptoms at all, and most of them with symptoms recover completely.
Tick-borne encephalitis is usually more severe, as it can cause encephalitis and neurological damage. Lyme disease, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection that can be treated with antibiotics at an early stage of the disease.
In Finland, the greatest risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis is mainly in coastal areas and in the vicinity of other large bodies of water. In the region of the Åland Islands, the prevalence of the disease is high by international standards.
Tick-borne encephalitis is prevalent in, for example:
Tick-borne encephalitis is prevalent in other parts of the world:
Tick-borne encephalitis cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
The price of a TBE vaccine varies, but it is usually around EUR 70–80 per dose. The series of vaccinations consists of several doses. See the current price of the tick vaccination here.
