If the tick is encephalitic, what should you do? - briefly
Immediately consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and initiate appropriate antiviral or supportive treatment as directed. Remove the tick carefully, document the bite site, and monitor for neurological symptoms.
If the tick is encephalitic, what should you do? - in detail
When a tick is identified as carrying an encephalitic agent, immediate removal is required. Grasp the head of the arthropod with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body. Disinfect the bite site after extraction.
Observe the patient for neurological signs during the following 14 days. Symptoms to monitor include headache, fever, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, or focal deficits. Record the onset time of any abnormality and report it without delay.
Seek professional medical evaluation as soon as the tick is confirmed or strongly suspected to be encephalitic. At the clinical encounter, request laboratory testing for relevant viruses, such as «tick‑borne encephalitis», Powassan, or other regional agents. Early diagnosis permits targeted supportive care and, where available, antiviral therapy.
If laboratory confirmation is obtained, follow the treatment protocol established for the specific pathogen. General measures comprise hydration, antipyretics, and monitoring of intracranial pressure. In severe cases, admission to an intensive‑care unit may be indicated for respiratory support and seizure control.
Document the exposure event, including geographic location, date of bite, and species of tick if known. Provide this information to public‑health authorities to aid surveillance and prevention efforts.