What will happen to a person after a bite from an encephalitis tick? - briefly
After a bite from a tick infected with the encephalitis virus, the person typically experiences a flu‑like illness within 7‑14 days, which may progress to fever, headache, neck stiffness, and, in severe cases, neurological symptoms such as confusion or paralysis. Prompt medical evaluation and supportive treatment reduce the risk of lasting damage, though some individuals suffer permanent neurological deficits.
What will happen to a person after a bite from an encephalitis tick? - in detail
A bite from a tick infected with the tick‑borne encephalitis (TBE) virus initiates a defined clinical sequence. The incubation period typically lasts 7–14 days, occasionally extending to 28 days. During this interval the virus replicates locally at the bite site and then spreads via the bloodstream to the central nervous system.
The first stage, often called the febrile phase, presents with sudden onset of fever, headache, malaise, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea. These nonspecific signs may last 1–5 days and can be mistaken for a common viral infection. In roughly one third of cases the illness resolves completely after this phase.
If the virus reaches the brain, a second, more severe phase begins. Neurological manifestations appear within days of the initial fever and may include:
- High fever persisting beyond the first stage
- Severe headache, often described as “meningeal”
- Neck stiffness and photophobia
- Altered mental status ranging from confusion to coma
- Focal neurologic deficits such as facial weakness or limb paresis
- Movement disorders (tremor, ataxia) and seizures
- Long‑lasting cognitive impairment in some survivors
Laboratory evaluation typically shows lymphocytic pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid, elevated protein, and the presence of TBE‑specific IgM antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction may detect viral RNA in early samples.
There is no specific antiviral therapy for TBE. Management relies on supportive care: antipyretics for fever, analgesics for pain, hydration, and close monitoring of respiratory and cardiovascular function. In severe cases, intensive care with mechanical ventilation may be required to address respiratory failure or severe encephalopathy.
Recovery varies. Approximately 70 % of patients regain full neurological function within weeks to months. The remaining 30 % may experience persistent deficits such as chronic fatigue, memory problems, or motor impairment. Mortality rates differ by region and viral subtype, ranging from 1 % to 20 % in the most aggressive strains.
Prevention focuses on avoiding tick bites and immunization. Effective measures include wearing protective clothing, using approved repellents, performing thorough body checks after outdoor exposure, and, where available, receiving the TBE vaccine series, which provides long‑lasting immunity against the most common viral variants.