How dangerous is the encephalitis tick for a child? - briefly
The tick that carries tick‑borne encephalitis can transmit a potentially severe viral infection, leading to fever, neurological symptoms, and, in rare cases, lasting brain damage or fatality in children. Immediate removal of the tick and rapid medical assessment markedly lower these risks.
How dangerous is the encephalitis tick for a child? - in detail
The tick that carries tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) can transmit a virus capable of severe neurological disease in children. Infection occurs through a bite from an infected Ixodes species, most often during outdoor activities in endemic regions. The virus reaches the central nervous system after an incubation period of 7–14 days, producing a biphasic illness.
Initial phase symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Approximately 30 % of cases progress to the second phase, characterized by meningitis, encephalitis, or meningo‑encephalitis. Clinical signs may involve:
- High fever persisting beyond 48 hours
- Neck stiffness and photophobia
- Altered consciousness, confusion, or seizures
- Focal neurological deficits such as weakness or ataxia
- Long‑term sequelae: cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, or hearing loss
Risk factors for severe outcomes are younger age (especially children under 5 years), delayed diagnosis, and lack of supportive care. Mortality rates in pediatric patients range from 0.5 % to 2 %, while permanent neurological impairment occurs in up to 10 % of severe cases.
Prevention relies on three primary measures:
- Vaccination: licensed TBE vaccines provide >95 % seroconversion after a primary series of two doses, with a booster recommended every 3–5 years in high‑risk areas.
- Tick avoidance: wearing long sleeves and trousers, applying permethrin‑treated clothing, and using EPA‑approved repellents containing DEET or picaridin.
- Prompt tick removal: using fine‑tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin, pulling steadily without twisting; cleaning the bite site with antiseptic.
If infection is suspected, laboratory confirmation includes detection of TBE‑specific IgM/IgG antibodies or PCR of cerebrospinal fluid. Immediate hospitalization is advised for children presenting with neurological signs. Treatment is supportive: managing fever, ensuring adequate hydration, monitoring intracranial pressure, and, when indicated, administering anticonvulsants or corticosteroids.
Early recognition, vaccination, and rigorous tick control substantially reduce the probability of serious disease in the pediatric population.