Forget riots … beware of ticks

A new threat to fans at Euro 2008 has emerged, and it might be too small to be detected by even the crack team of Austrian special forces set to protect the event. The threat is tick-borne encephalitis, a rare but potentially fatal disease on the rise across Europe. The virus that causes the ailment, TBEV, is spread by deer ticks, similar to the ones that can transmit Lyme disease. Like Lyme disease, the risk is relatively small, especially if proper precautions are taken.

Especially at risk are fans who are planning outdoor activities away from the host cities during their trip. There is, of course, some lovely hiking and camping to be had around Austria and Switzerland, but anyone making these sorts of plans is advised to take regular anti-tick measures, like wearing long pants and long sleeves to minimize exposed skin. Tucking pants into socks also helps to keep any ticks on your clothes rather than your skin, and wearing light-colored clothing can help you find ticks on your clothes. Using repellents with DEET (but not too high a concentration – it’s very strong stuff) can also be a good way to keep them off of you. Fans who come down with flu-like symptoms, the first sign of the disease, should get to a doctor immediately for treatment – better safe than sorry.

Just something to keep in mind when hiking around the area. Just to be clear, though – for views like this one, I for one would be more than willing to risk a couple of ticks.