What will happen if a tick with encephalitis bites you? - briefly
A bite from a tick carrying encephalitis virus can introduce the pathogen into the bloodstream, potentially leading to fever, headache, and, within days, inflammation of the brain that may cause neurological deficits or seizures. Prompt medical evaluation and antiviral treatment are essential to reduce the risk of severe complications.
What will happen if a tick with encephalitis bites you? - in detail
A bite from a tick carrying the tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) virus introduces the pathogen into the skin and bloodstream. The virus penetrates the dermal layers within minutes, then spreads to regional lymph nodes. After an incubation period of 7–14 days, the first phase of illness appears, often resembling a nonspecific viral infection: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea. Laboratory tests at this stage may show mild leukocytosis and elevated C‑reactive protein, but the diagnosis is usually not confirmed until later.
Approximately 30 % of cases progress to a second, neurologic phase. The virus crosses the blood‑brain barrier, causing inflammation of the meninges, brain parenchyma, or both. Clinical manifestations include:
- High fever, persistent headache, and stiff neck (meningitis)
- Altered consciousness, confusion, or seizures (encephalitis)
- Focal neurological deficits such as weakness, ataxia, or cranial nerve palsies
- Occasionally, acute flaccid paralysis resembling poliomyelitis
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis typically reveals pleocytosis with a lymphocytic predominance, elevated protein, and normal glucose. Serologic testing for TBE‑specific IgM and IgG antibodies, or PCR detection of viral RNA, confirms the infection.
There is no specific antiviral therapy. Management is supportive: antipyretics, fluid balance, respiratory support if needed, and seizure control. Early recognition and intensive care improve outcomes. Approximately 10–20 % of patients suffer permanent neurological sequelae, ranging from mild motor impairment to severe cognitive deficits. Mortality rates vary by region and viral subtype, from 1 % to 5 %.
Prevention relies on avoiding tick exposure (protective clothing, repellents, regular tick checks) and vaccination in endemic areas. The vaccine induces robust neutralizing antibody titers and reduces the risk of severe disease by over 90 %.
In summary, a bite from an infected tick can lead to a biphasic illness, beginning with flu‑like symptoms and potentially advancing to serious central nervous system involvement, which may result in lasting neurological damage or death without timely supportive care.