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Introduction to the 1 edition

Dear Reader,
While the number of vector-borne diseases and their incidence in Europe is much less than in
tropical and/or developing countries, there are, nevertheless, a substantial number of such
infections in Europe. The most important one is the zoonotic arbovirus infection Tick-Borne
Encephalitis (TBE), a virus transmitted to humans by ticks or by consumption of unpasteurized dairy
products from infected cows, goats, or sheep.
TBE is endemic in the non-tropical Eurasian forest belt with most cases occurring in Russia and in
central and eastern parts of Europe. In endemic areas, TBE is one of the most important causes of
viral meningitis/encephalitis and a major public health concern. Moreover, TBE is becoming more
and more frequent in Europe due to the appearance of new endemic areas and increasing
awareness. However, it might be difficult to diagnose TBE, because clinical manifestations tend to
be relatively nonspecific. Although a standardized case definition across the European Union has
existed now for a few years, national implementation of TBE programs, including regular screening
and diagnosis, are done in only very few countries. Therefore, wide differences in the intensity and
quality of national surveillance of TBE cases still exist, and the true burden of disease and the areas
with a circulation of the TBE viral subtypes in Europe and Asia are not fully known. Moreover,
although safe and effective vaccines are available, vaccination uptake in most endemic countries is
too low to reduce the TBE burden significantly.
We, therefore, have tried to compile in this “working book” the most recent and relevant aspects of
TBE. Digital technology allows us to continuously review and update the information in the e-book
version almost in real time. Therefore, with the publication of this book, all authors and editors, as
well as the publisher will continue to provide the best and latest data and the most current insights
pertinent to the field of TBE. With this in mind, we urge all readers to communicate to us any news,
comments, or scientific input that may be relevant to patients, their physicians, or decision makers.
The editors thank all authors, Global Health Press (GHP) and Thomas Gegeny (Engage Scientific) for
their excellent work, contributions, and input.
Priv.-Doz. Dr. G. Dobler, Dr. W. Erber, Prof. Dr. H.J. Schmitt - Editors

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Introduction to the 2 edition

We thank the publisher, all authors, contributors, and readers of The TBE Book who made this such
a big success, resulting in the need for a second edition within less than one year!
Here, we present the new edition with some corrections, modifications, one full new chapter, and
relevant updates, particularly in the epidemiology chapters, as well as an improved printing size
which allows using larger fonts for easier readability. As before, the TBE Book is also available online
and we encourage our readers to join the “TBE-family” under the link below which gives access to
all chapters and all updates, access to the monthly newsletter and the weekly snapshots, and which
helps to exchange relevant information: https://id-ea.org/tbe
We also welcome Dr. Michael Bröker as the fourth editor – already known to our online readers as
the editor of our monthly newsletter and weekly snapshot.
The editors thank all authors and Global Health Press (GHP) for their excellent work, contributions,
and input.
Munich (Germany), Vienna (Austria), Marburg (Germany), Collegeville, PA (USA), April 2019
Priv.-Doz. Dr. G. Dobler, Dr. Wilhelm Erber, Dr. Michael Bröker, Prof. Dr. Heinz-J. Schmitt

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