The epidemiology of infectious diseases in Europe in 2020 versus 2017-2019 and the rise of tick-borne encephalitis (1995-2020)

Health control measures instituted in 2020 to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic decreased the case numbers of many infectious diseases across Europe. One notable exception was tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). In Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic, the upturn was significantly higher compared to the average of the three years previously (P < 0.05), with increases of 88%, 48%, 51%, 28%, and 18%, respectively. Six countries reported TBE incidences of & GE;5 cases/100,000, defined as highly endemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Possible factors contributing to this surge may include increased participation in outdoor activities in endemic regions and increased tick counts/tick activity. In highly endemic regions, the WHO rec-ommends that vaccination be offered to all age groups, including children.

Automated summary

Health control measures implemented in Europe in 2020 to combat COVID-19 had varying effects on infectious diseases. While the cases of many diseases decreased, the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis actually increased. This could be attributed to increased outdoor activities and higher tick counts in endemic regions. The World Health Organization recommends vaccination for all age groups, including children, in highly endemic areas.