What does an encephalitis‑carrying tick threaten? - briefly
It can transmit viral encephalitis, causing brain inflammation that may result in severe neurological damage or fatality. Prompt removal of the tick and immediate medical assessment lower the likelihood of serious complications.
What does an encephalitis‑carrying tick threaten? - in detail
Ticks that transmit encephalitis viruses act as vectors for serious infectious diseases. The most frequent pathogen is the tick‑borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a flavivirus responsible for a biphasic illness that may progress to severe inflammation of the central nervous system. Other agents include Powassan virus, a North‑American flavivirus, and less common Siberian and Far‑Eastern TBEV subtypes.
Neurological complications encompass:
- Meningitis, characterized by headache, neck stiffness and photophobia.
- Encephalitis, presenting with confusion, seizures, focal deficits and possible coma.
- Acute flaccid paralysis, resulting from peripheral nerve involvement.
- Long‑term sequelae such as cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction and persistent fatigue.
Systemic effects may involve respiratory insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias and renal dysfunction, especially in severe cases of Powassan infection.
Geographic distribution reflects the habitat of Ixodes species. Endemic zones include central and northern Europe, parts of Russia, and the northeastern United States. Peak activity occurs during spring and early summer when nymphal ticks are most abundant. Occupations and activities that increase exposure—forestry, farming, outdoor recreation—identify high‑risk populations.
Preventive measures consist of:
- Wearing protective clothing and performing regular body checks after outdoor activity.
- Applying repellents containing DEET or picaridin on skin and clothing.
- Managing vegetation to reduce tick habitats.
- Vaccination against TBEV where licensed, administered in a three‑dose schedule.
Therapeutic options remain limited to supportive care. No antiviral agents have proven efficacy against TBEV or Powassan virus. Early hospitalization, monitoring of neurological status, management of intracranial pressure and seizure control improve outcomes. Rehabilitation may be required for patients with lasting deficits.
«Tick‑borne encephalitis represents the most common viral encephalitis in Europe», emphasizing the public‑health relevance of vector control and awareness campaigns.