These include Austria, voted 'undiscovered golf destination of the year' in 2005; Slovakia, which has opened its first 18-hole course and Slovenia, where UK golfers and golf enthusiasts are discovering the beautiful courses in Lake Bled, which host tournaments including The PGA European Ladies Tour and The PGA European Challenge Tour.

At-risk groups include all visitors to rural areas of endemic countries, particularly those participating in outdoor activities such as golfing.

A number of measures can be taken to reduce the risk of infection: these include using an insect repellent, wearing trousers and long-sleeved clothing to cover all areas of exposed skin, regularly inspecting for tick bites and carefully removing any found.

The disease can also be transmitted by the ingestion of unpasteurised milk which should be avoided.

However, the Foreign Office advises that visitors to TBE endemic regions seek inoculation advice from their local surgery or clinic - well before travelling.

Immunisation against TBE is available from specialist travel health clinics and at GP surgeries and healthcare centres.

Further information on the endemic regions of Europe and latest advice for travellers is available at www.masta.org/tickalert.