Tick-borne encephalitis and its prevention in Hungary.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been registered in Hungary since 1977. In the last four years a moderate decrease of cases was observed. Most cases belong to the age group of 30-39 years, and the number of males is twice as high as that of the females among the TBE cases. The efficacy of TBE vaccination was proven also in field trials. The use of the specific hyperimmune gamma-globulins for postexposure prophylaxis is effective. The need to create an international standard for TBE vaccine is discussed.