How can one become infected with tick‑borne encephalitis? - briefly
Infection results from the bite of a tick carrying the TBE virus, which injects the pathogen into the skin during feeding. Rarely, the virus can be transmitted by handling or crushing an infected tick, allowing viral particles to enter through skin abrasions.
How can one become infected with tick‑borne encephalitis? - in detail
Transmission of tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) occurs primarily through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. The virus resides in the salivary glands of adult and nymphal stages; when the tick attaches to human skin, saliva containing the pathogen is injected into the host. The risk of infection rises with prolonged attachment, because viral load increases after several hours of feeding.
A secondary route involves ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products from infected livestock. Milk, cheese, or yogurt derived from cows, goats, or sheep that have contracted the virus can contain viable particles. Consumption of such products without heat treatment can lead to gastrointestinal infection that subsequently spreads to the central nervous system.
Rarely, direct contact with infected animal tissue during hunting or handling of carcasses may result in transmission, though documented cases are scarce. Occupational exposure for veterinarians, hunters, and laboratory personnel handling TBE virus also carries a low but measurable risk.
Factors that elevate exposure include:
- Residence or travel to endemic regions (central, northern, and eastern Europe; parts of Asia).
- Outdoor activities in forested or grassy areas during peak tick activity (spring to early autumn).
- Lack of personal protective measures such as long clothing, insect repellents, or regular tick checks.
- Consumption of raw or inadequately processed dairy products from farms in endemic zones.
Preventive actions focus on avoiding tick bites and ensuring safe food practices. Regularly inspecting skin and clothing after potential exposure, promptly removing attached ticks with fine tweezers, and vaccinating individuals at high risk are the most effective strategies to reduce incidence.