How is a bite from a tick‑borne encephalitis treated? - briefly
Prompt clinical assessment and supportive care are essential, often involving antiviral agents such as ribavirin and, in severe cases, corticosteroids to limit inflammation. Prevention relies on vaccination and measures to avoid tick exposure.
How is a bite from a tick‑borne encephalitis treated? - in detail
When a person is bitten by a tick that may transmit encephalitis, the first step is to remove the arthropod promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward. After removal, the bite site should be cleaned with antiseptic solution and examined for signs of inflammation or infection.
The next phase involves clinical assessment. Physicians record the date of exposure, geographic region, and tick species if known. Neurological examination focuses on headache, fever, neck stiffness, altered consciousness, and focal deficits. Laboratory work includes complete blood count, liver function tests, and inflammatory markers. Specific diagnostics consist of serological testing for IgM and IgG antibodies against the causative flavivirus, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and, when indicated, lumbar puncture to evaluate CSF cell count, protein, and glucose.
If laboratory results confirm viral encephalitis, antiviral therapy is initiated. Intravenous ribavirin may be administered in certain jurisdictions, although evidence of efficacy varies. In regions where no specific antiviral is approved, treatment is primarily supportive: maintaining adequate hydration, controlling fever with antipyretics, and preventing secondary bacterial infections with appropriate antibiotics if bacterial meningitis cannot be excluded.
Neurocritical care measures include:
- Monitoring of intracranial pressure and seizure activity.
- Administration of anticonvulsants when seizures occur.
- Use of corticosteroids only when significant cerebral edema is documented.
- Ensuring oxygen saturation above 94 % and adequate ventilation.
Rehabilitation begins as soon as the acute phase resolves. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy address residual motor, cognitive, or language deficits. Follow‑up serology at 4–6 weeks helps confirm seroconversion and guides long‑term prognosis.
Pre‑exposure prevention remains essential. Immunization against tick‑borne encephalitis is recommended for individuals residing in or traveling to endemic areas. The vaccine schedule comprises two primary doses administered one month apart, followed by a booster after three years and then every five years thereafter. Personal protection measures—use of repellents containing DEET, wearing long sleeves, and performing regular tick checks—reduce the risk of infection and the need for medical intervention.