What happens during an encephalitis tick bite? - briefly
During the bite, the tick injects saliva that can carry the tick‑borne encephalitis virus, introducing the pathogen into the skin where it begins to replicate. The virus may then migrate to the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain and meninges.
What happens during an encephalitis tick bite? - in detail
A tick infected with the tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) virus attaches to the skin, inserts its hypostome, and releases saliva that contains anticoagulants, immunomodulatory proteins, and the virus itself. The feeding process can last from several hours to a few days, during which the tick repeatedly injects saliva to maintain blood flow.
The virus is typically transmitted after the tick has been attached for at least 24 hours. Salivary secretions carry viral particles directly into the dermal microvasculature, bypassing the epidermal barrier. Immediate local effects may include a painless erythematous papule that can evolve into a small vesicle or a necrotic ulcer if secondary infection occurs.
Systemic involvement begins after an incubation period of 7–14 days. The virus spreads hematogenously to the central nervous system, where it infects neurons and glial cells. Early clinical signs often comprise fever, headache, and malaise; progression may lead to meningeal irritation, encephalitic symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or focal neurological deficits, and in severe cases, paralysis or coma.
Key clinical milestones are:
- Appearance of a tick bite mark (often unnoticed)
- Onset of flu‑like symptoms after the incubation window
- Development of neurological signs within days of systemic fever
- Possible long‑term sequelae, including cognitive impairment or motor dysfunction
Prompt removal of the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers reduces the risk of viral transmission. Post‑exposure monitoring should focus on temperature trends and neurological status for at least three weeks. If symptoms emerge, laboratory testing for TBE‑specific IgM antibodies and cerebrospinal fluid analysis guide antiviral and supportive therapy. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure in endemic regions.