Climate Warming and Tick-borne Encephalitis, Slovakia

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_http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/16/3/524.htm_

(http://www.cdc.gov/eid/content/16/3/524.htm)

 

Climate Warming and Tick-borne Encephalitis, Slovakia

 

 

Abstract

 

Increased tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases have been reported in

central Europe. To investigate temporal trends in the altitude at which TBE

cases

occur in Slovakia, we analyzed the number of TBE cases during 1961–2004.

Since 1980, TBE cases moved from lowlands to submountainous areas, most

likely because of rising temperature.

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusions

 

If the observed trend continues, the number of TBE foci in the mountain

areas >500 m will probably increase in future decades. Whether this would

affect the total number of TBE cases is a matter for discussion. Higher areas

are less densely inhabited by local residents but often visited for leisure

activities and recreation. The possibility of TBE emergence should be

therefore considered by the management of recreation facilities and tourist

resorts in areas with habitats suitable for TBE vectors

 

 

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