Tick-Borne Encephalitis: The Silent Threat in the Woods

The story of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) goes back to the early 1900s when Dr. Hans Zinsser, a famous bacteriologist and immunologist, discovered it in Austria. The disease got its name from the ticks that transmit it and the inflammation it causes in the brain.

In 1931, an outbreak of acute epidemic serous meningitis was reported in Austria. The causative agent was isolated in 1937 in the former Soviet Union. Since then, TBE has been a significant public health issue in Europe and Asia. Despite medical advancements, no specific antiviral treatment for TBE still makes prevention strategies crucial.

TBE, a severe public health issue in Europe and Asia, is recorded in over 30 countries. The incidence of TBE is exceptionally high in Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, and Sweden. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone can get TBE. Still, outdoor enthusiasts like hikers and campers are at a higher risk due to tick exposure.

Tick-borne encephalitis rates in Europe: Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Sweden. GIDEON Informatics, Inc. All rights reserved.

Recent years have seen many cases of TBE reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), especially in high-risk areas. TBE spreads when ticks are most active during spring and early summer.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) spreads through the bite of an infected tick, specifically the Ixodes species. Woods and grasslands in Europe and Asia are the usual habitats of Ixodes ticks, which transmit TBE. In rare cases, TBE can also be contracted by consuming unpasteurized dairy products from infected animals.

The transmission cycle involves small mammals like rodents that serve as reservoir hosts for the virus. When a tick feeds on these infected hosts, they become virus carriers. They can transmit it to humans during subsequent feedings.

The tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) spreads to humans mainly through tick bites. TBEV lives in the salivary glands of ticks and enters the bloodstream when they feed on humans. Once inside, it multiplies in cells lining blood vessels and white blood cells.

This process can cause viremia, which means viruses in the blood. Viremia allows TBEV to reach different organs, including the central nervous system, where it causes inflammation. This inflammation leads to symptoms like fever, headache, and neurological issues like paralysis or meningitis.

Healthcare professionals must understand this biology to diagnose and treat tick-borne encephalitis early.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) usually comes in two phases. The first phase, which can happen one to eight days after a tick bite, feels like the flu.

First phase symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Some people might also feel nauseous or have swollen lymph nodes.

The second phase of TBE usually starts about a week after the initial symptoms go away. It is when things get serious. You might experience neurological signs like meningitis or meningoencephalitis.

The severe phase can include:

• Head pain
• Feverishness
• Disorientation
• Photophobia

In some instances, paralysis or even an unconscious state could arise.

Healthcare professionals must recognize these symptoms of tick-borne diseases. Early detection can make a huge difference in patient outcomes.

Diagnosing tick-borne encephalitis requires a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. The initial symptoms can mimic other illnesses, so healthcare professionals must consider the patient’s history, including recent travel or tick exposure.

Specialized laboratories with expertise in tick-borne diseases perform laboratory tests like serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in the body. Serology detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection, while PCR identifies viral genetic material.

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes. That’s why having these tests done at specialized laboratories is important. Act now to ensure optimal treatment and outcomes.

Diagnosing tick-borne encephalitis requires a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing. The initial symptoms can mimic other illnesses, so healthcare professionals must consider the patient’s history, including recent travel or tick exposure.

Specialized laboratories with expertise in tick-borne diseases perform laboratory tests like serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus in the body. Serology detects antibodies the immune system produces in response to infection, while PCR identifies viral genetic material.

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes. That’s why having these tests done at specialized laboratories is essential. Act now to ensure optimal treatment and results.

• Avoid walking through tall grasses or dense woods without proper protective clothing to reduce your exposure risk. Also, ensure you use appropriate repellents when in endemic regions.
• For those in a high-risk area or traveling to one, the CDC recommends vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. The CDC recommends the TBE vaccine for those at risk.
• Personal protection is crucial. Avoid areas with high tick activity, and always use insect repellents outdoors. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can also help reduce exposure.
• Check your body thoroughly after outdoor activities and promptly remove any attached ticks using proper techniques such as tweezers or a unique tick removal tool. Early detection can significantly decrease the chance of infection.
• Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes is an important measure to help deter ticks from latching onto your skin. It will help prevent ticks from latching onto your skin.
• After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, and under the arms. Remove the tick quickly using tweezers and then cleanse the area with soap and water.
• If you live in or plan to travel to an area where TBE is prevalent, consider getting vaccinated. The vaccine is highly effective and can provide long-lasting protection against the virus.

What are the chances of getting tick-borne encephalitis?

The risk of getting tick-borne encephalitis varies depending on location, season, outdoor activities, and use of preventive measures; up to 5% of ticks carry the virus in endemic areas like Central Europe and Russia.

Is tick-borne encephalitis present in the US?

No autochthonous cases have been reported in the United States, but travelers visiting endemic regions may be at risk. 21 cases of tick-borne encephalitis among civilian American travelers were reported during 1979 to 2020.

Can you survive tick-borne encephalitis?

Yes, most people recover with appropriate treatment, although severe cases can be fatal (mortality rate around 1%-2%).

How long does it take for a tick to transmit tick-borne encephalitis?

Transmission likely occurs within hours after attachment by an infected Ixodes species, although a precise time frame is unknown.

Tick-borne encephalitis is a serious disease caused by a virus transmitted through tick bites, which can lead to severe neurological complications. Prevention is key, so make sure to take precautions such as vaccination, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellents when traveling to endemic areas. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in improving outcomes for patients with TBE, so it’s important for everyone to be aware of the symptoms and diagnostic methods available.

Other tick-borne diseases to be aware of include:

• Babesiosis
• Lyme disease
• Colorado Tick Fever
• Ehrlichiosis
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Powassan Fever

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Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis on the GIDEON platform.