Upper Austria records Austria’s highest number of FSME cases

Austria has recorded 155 confirmed cases of tick-borne encephalitis, or FSME, so far this year, already exceeding the 132 cases reported for all of 2025, ORF reported Monday. Upper Austria leads the country with 65 cases.

The figures, based on data from the Centre for Virology at the Medical University of Vienna, were published by the Austrian Association of Vaccine Manufacturers. Tyrol has recorded 28 cases and Salzburg 19 so far this year.

FSME is transmitted by ticks and can cause severe neurological illness. According to experts, Austria is one of the most affected countries in Europe.

Ticks remain active in autumn

The association said ticks are no longer only a summer threat. Their activity depends on temperatures, and they can become active from around 5 to 8 degrees Celsius. Mild autumn and winter days can therefore extend the period in which infections are possible.

The Agency for Health and Food Safety classifies almost all of Austria as an FSME risk area. The risk exists not only during hikes and bike rides, but also while gardening and taking walks.

FSME cannot be treated at its cause. According to Austria’s vaccination schedule, vaccination is the most important preventive measure.

Severe cases can occur

According to the Medical University of Vienna, fever and flu-like symptoms can develop three to 28 days after a tick bite. After a symptom-free period of about a week, a second phase of illness may follow, with symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and problems with concentration and walking.

About one-third of neurological cases result in paralysis affecting the arms, legs or facial nerves. Around 1% of these severe cases are fatal, the university said.

The vaccine manufacturers’ association also reported declining rates for booster vaccinations. It said autumn was a suitable time to check vaccination records, including electronic records, and plan any necessary boosters before the next tick season.