Kaija, 74, was infected with TBE: "I had to learn to walk again"

Last year, the number of TBE infections was record high in Sweden.

One of those affected is Kaija Terho, who was infected with the viral infection through a tick bite in August last year.

- I was hospitalized for seven weeks.

I was first in an emergency hospital for four weeks and then in a rehabilitation hospital for three weeks, she says.

"I learned to walk and write again"

Before the TBE infection, Kaija Terho was active in a Finnish writing circle and moved a lot outdoors, but after the infection she was forced to learn everything she could do again before.

- I still can not read books and my mobility is still quite poor.

I need to rest a lot nowadays.

Regrets that she did not take the TBE vaccine

The disease has significantly limited Kaija's life.

Since she was affected, many of her friends have been vaccinated against the TBE virus.

- I just calculated that about 19 of my acquaintances have been vaccinated after having witnessed my struggle.

In the video above, Kaija Terho explains what help she needs to cope with everyday chores.