Munich  - Infectious diseases transmitted by ticks are becoming increasingly common and holidaymakers heading for eastern and northern Europe and parts of Germany should not set off without a vaccination, doctors in Munich advise.

Tick-born encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most common afflictions transmitted by the tiny insects and it is endemic in the rural forest areas of many European countries. Cases have been reported in Sweden, Denmark and the Baltic states as well as in Russia, parts of Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

In Germany the areas most affected areas are the Black Forest, parts of Franconia as well as along the Danube River and its tributaries below Regensburg. The risk is a seasonal one from April to October and the disease is usually mild with symptoms similar to a mild bout of flu. Only a small number of tick bites are infectious but a few fatal cases have been reported from Siberia.

A single injection gives protection after four weeks but a second jab within an interval of one to 3 months is recommended. According to health experts, simple precautions can prevent tick bites in the first place.

These include regularly examining the skin - especially larger body folds and hairy areas - to aid the rapid removal of the insects before they can do any harm. Other measures include wearing long trousers in wooded areas and keeping them tucked into the socks. (dpa)