What happens from a bite of an encephalitis tick? - briefly
A bite from a tick infected with the tick‑borne encephalitis virus initiates an incubation period of roughly one to two weeks, after which flu‑like symptoms appear. If the disease advances, it can produce meningitis, encephalitis, or other serious neurological complications that often require hospital treatment.
What happens from a bite of an encephalitis tick? - in detail
A bite from a tick carrying the tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) virus initiates a sequence of clinical events that can be divided into three phases.
The first phase appears within 3–14 days after the bite. The lesion at the attachment site may be painless or cause mild itching. Systemic signs develop, most commonly fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. Laboratory tests often reveal a modest increase in white‑blood‑cell count and mild elevation of liver enzymes.
If the virus progresses, a second, asymptomatic interval may follow, lasting 1–10 days. During this lull, the virus replicates in peripheral tissues and begins to cross the blood‑brain barrier.
The third phase is the neurological stage. Symptoms emerge abruptly and may include:
- High fever and severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Photophobia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Altered consciousness ranging from confusion to coma
- Focal neurological deficits such as ataxia, tremor, or facial palsy
- Seizures in severe cases
Magnetic resonance imaging often shows inflammation of the meninges, brainstem, or cerebellum. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis reveals pleocytosis with a predominance of lymphocytes and elevated protein levels.
Diagnosis relies on serological testing for specific IgM and IgG antibodies against TBE virus, supplemented by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) when early infection is suspected. Differential diagnosis must exclude bacterial meningitis, other viral encephalitides, and autoimmune conditions.
Treatment is supportive; no specific antiviral therapy has proven efficacy. Management includes antipyretics, fluid balance, and, when indicated, anticonvulsants or corticosteroids to reduce cerebral edema. Intensive care may be required for respiratory support or intracranial pressure monitoring.
Prognosis varies. Approximately one‑third of patients experience permanent neurological sequelae such as chronic dizziness, cognitive impairment, or motor deficits. Mortality rates range from 1 % to 3 % in regions with effective medical care.
Prevention focuses on tick avoidance (protective clothing, repellents, thorough body checks) and vaccination in endemic areas. The vaccine stimulates robust IgG responses, reducing the risk of infection by more than 95 % when administered according to the recommended schedule.