What should you do if bitten by an encephalitic tick and what possible consequences are there? - briefly
If a tick is found attached, remove it with fine tweezers, disinfect the area, and seek medical evaluation promptly for possible prophylactic therapy. Untreated infection may progress to encephalitis, meningitis, paralysis, or, rarely, fatal outcomes.
What should you do if bitten by an encephalitic tick and what possible consequences are there? - in detail
If a tick capable of transmitting encephalitis attaches to the skin, remove it promptly. Grasp the tick’s head or mouthparts with fine‑point tweezers, pull straight upward with steady pressure, and avoid crushing the body. Disinfect the bite area with an antiseptic solution, then wash hands thoroughly. Record the date and location of the bite, and keep the tick in a sealed container for possible identification.
Seek professional medical evaluation as soon as possible. A clinician will assess the need for laboratory testing, which may include serology for specific viral antibodies or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of blood or cerebrospinal fluid. If the tick is identified as a known vector for tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE), the physician may recommend a course of antiviral therapy or supportive care, depending on regional guidelines and the time elapsed since exposure.
Potential health effects progress through distinct phases:
- Incubation (7–14 days): Usually asymptomatic; the virus replicates at the bite site.
- First (flu‑like) phase: Fever, headache, muscle aches, and malaise. Symptoms may mimic a common viral infection.
- Second (neurological) phase: Occurs in 20–30 % of cases. Presents with meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis. Signs include stiff neck, photophobia, confusion, seizures, ataxia, and, in severe instances, paralysis.
- Recovery or sequelae: Approximately 10 % of patients experience lasting deficits such as cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, or chronic fatigue. Mortality rates vary from 1 % to 5 % depending on age and health status.
Management of neurological involvement focuses on supportive measures: intravenous fluids, antipyretics, anticonvulsants, and, when indicated, mechanical ventilation. Rehabilitation programs address motor and cognitive deficits after acute illness. Preventive strategies—vaccination against TBE in endemic regions, use of repellents, and regular body checks after outdoor activities—reduce the likelihood of infection.