What should be done if bitten by an encephalitis tick and what are the symptoms? - briefly
After removal, wash the bite site with soap and water and obtain prompt medical assessment for possible antiviral therapy or vaccination. Early signs include fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and rash; later stages may involve confusion, seizures, or paralysis.
What should be done if bitten by an encephalitis tick and what are the symptoms? - in detail
If a tick capable of transmitting encephalitis attaches, immediate removal is essential. Grasp the tick close to the skin with fine‑point tweezers, pull upward with steady pressure, avoid crushing the body. After extraction, cleanse the bite site with antiseptic solution and cover with a sterile dressing.
Seek medical evaluation without delay. Inform the clinician of the exposure, geographic region, and time since the bite. A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection and, where indicated, administer antiviral prophylaxis or immunoglobulin therapy. Document the tick’s appearance if possible, as identification assists risk assessment.
Monitoring for clinical signs should begin promptly. Typical manifestations include:
- Sudden fever, often above 38 °C
- Severe headache, sometimes localized behind the eyes
- Neck stiffness or rigidity
- Photophobia, marked sensitivity to light
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Confusion, disorientation, or altered mental status
- Motor weakness, tremor, or loss of coordination
- Seizures, which may be focal or generalized
- Rash, although less common, may appear as erythematous macules
Symptoms usually emerge within 5‑15 days after the bite but can appear earlier or later depending on viral load and host factors. Progression to encephalitis may involve rapid deterioration, requiring hospitalization, supportive care, and possibly intensive‑care monitoring.
If any of the listed signs develop, contact emergency services immediately. Early intervention improves prognosis and reduces the risk of long‑term neurological deficits.