What symptoms occur when an encephalitis tick bites? - briefly
Fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, and a rash may appear shortly after a bite from a tick that transmits encephalitis; neurological signs such as confusion, altered consciousness, or seizures can develop as the infection progresses. Prompt medical evaluation is essential because symptoms can rapidly worsen and lead to lasting brain damage.
What symptoms occur when an encephalitis tick bites? - in detail
A bite from a tick carrying encephalitis virus initiates a biphasic illness. The incubation period typically lasts 7‑14 days, after which the first phase appears with nonspecific, flu‑like signs. These include:
- Sudden fever (often > 38.5 °C)
- Headache, usually frontal or occipital
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- General fatigue and malaise
- Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting
In roughly one‑third of cases, the disease advances to a second, neurologic phase. Central nervous system involvement produces a distinct set of manifestations:
- High, persistent fever
- Severe, throbbing headache resistant to analgesics
- Neck stiffness and photophobia, indicating meningeal irritation
- Confusion, disorientation, or decreased level of consciousness
- Focal neurological deficits such as weakness, facial palsy, or loss of coordination (ataxia)
- Tremor, involuntary movements, or seizures
- Cranial nerve dysfunction, potentially causing double vision or hearing loss
- In rare instances, paralysis of respiratory muscles leading to respiratory failure
Additional findings may accompany both phases:
- Enlarged lymph nodes near the bite site
- A maculopapular rash, more common in children
- Elevated serum liver enzymes and mild leukopenia
The severity of neurologic symptoms varies widely. Some patients recover fully within weeks, while others experience prolonged cognitive deficits, persistent motor impairment, or, in extreme cases, fatal outcomes. Early recognition of the initial flu‑like stage and prompt medical evaluation are critical for initiating supportive care and, where available, antiviral therapy.