Encephalitis caused by ticks: Identifying factors, signs, and therapies

Protect Yourself from Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family and is most commonly found in Eurasia. The disease is prevalent in northern, eastern, central, and western Europe, northern China, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation.

In these regions, TBE is particularly common in countries such as Austria, the Czech Republic, southern Germany, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia and Asia. The Czech Republic, for instance, has a high incidence of TBE[2].

TBE is primarily transmitted through tick bites, and in rare cases, through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products from infected animals. To reduce the risk of TBE, it's essential to take precautions when engaging in activities such as camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching, which may increase the risk of TBE.

The symptoms of TBE, if present, usually appear within 7-14 days and can be divided into two phases. The first phase includes cold-like symptoms, while the second phase can involve central nervous system involvement. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, and a person may require specific treatment for encephalitis, meningitis, or meningomyelitis.

However, it's important to note that TBE does not transmit from person to person. The diagnosis involves questioning about symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and potential travel history. TBE can be confirmed through blood tests or spinal fluid tests.

To remove a tick, follow the National Health Service (NHS) advice: avoid squeezing the tick, grab it close to the skin, pull upward firmly and slowly, and clean the area of the bite.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the TICOVAC vaccine for use in the U.S. in 2021. The vaccine is recommended for people traveling from April to November in areas where TBE is likely, as this is when ticks are most active. Wearing protective clothing, inspecting the body, removing ticks as soon as possible, and showering quickly can also help reduce the risk of TBE.

While TBE is fatal in less than 2% of cases, some people may experience long-term complications such as paralysis, speech difficulties, tiredness, and cognitive issues. It's crucial to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from TBE, especially if you're traveling to areas where the disease is prevalent.

[1] Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) - NHS (UK) - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tick-borne-encephalitis/ [2] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) - https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-surveillance/disease-factsheets/tick-borne-encephalitis [3] World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tick-borne-encephalitis [4] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) - https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/tick-borne-encephalitis-annual-epidemiological-report-2019

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TBE, a virus found in Eurasia, causes respiratory conditions, digestive health issues, and even neurological disorders in severe cases.
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