About this topic
Tickborne encephalitis is caused by a virus. It is also known as TBE. It affects the brain and nervous system. This illness is passed on by infected ticks. You cannot get it from some other person. The germ may cause swelling of the brain. This is called encephalitis. It may also cause swelling of the tissues around the brain. This is called meningitis. ‚
There are a few types of TBE. ‚
- Western European encephalitis ¢ ˆ ’ Most cases happen in Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Switzerland, Russia, and Ukraine.
- Far Eastern encephalitis ¢ ˆ ’ Most cases happen in Russia, China, and Japan.
- Siberian encephalitis ¢ ˆ ’ Most cases are found in places with many trees in Siberia.
- Powassan encephalitis ¢ ˆ ’ Most cases happen in Canada and northern parts of the United States.
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What are the causes?
TBE is spread by ticks that feed on infected animals. It is often found in animals like rodents, sheep, deer, goats, and cattle. Once the tick is infected, it carries and spreads the disease. The disease may be passed on to other animals or to people. A pregnant woman can pass the infection on to her baby. You may also get sick by drinking raw milk from an animal with the infection. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Spending time in the woods or rural places where there are infected ticks
- Drinking unpasteurized or fresh milk
What are the main signs?
Most people have signs that happen 1 to 2 weeks after a tick bite. ‚
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness
- Muscle or body pain
- Upset stomach and throwing up
A small number of infected people may have more severe signs. This happens if the germ affects the brain and nervous system. These signs are: ‚
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher and chills
- Stiff neck
- Confusion or changes in behavior
- Drowsiness
- Seizure
- Sensitive to light
- Trouble speaking
- Trouble controlling movements
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will ask about your history and do an exam. The doctor may ask if you have traveled recently. Be sure to tell the doctor if you have had a tick bite. The doctor may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- MRI scan
- Lumbar puncture
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Care for TBE depends on the signs of disease that you have. For most people, the signs often go away on their own. It is important to go to the doctor right away if you are worried about a possible case of tickborne encephalitis. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with flu-like signs
- Help with pain and swelling
- Control seizures
What problems could happen?
Long-lasting brain damage may happen in serious cases of this illness. You may have problems with: ‚
- Hearing, seeing, or speaking
- Memory
- Muscle control and feeling
- Changes in behavior and personality
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Talk with your doctor to see if you need a shot before you travel.
- Avoid drinking unpasteurized or fresh milk.
- If you see a tick on your skin, remove the tick right away. Use tweezers and remove the tick with care. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible. Use steady pressure and pull upward. Do not jerk or twist the tick to avoid leaving part of the tick in your skin. Save the tick in alcohol. Do not squeeze it.
- Protect yourself from ticks.
- Wear long pants and shirts or jackets with long sleeves.
- Tuck pants into socks or boots.
- Use an insect repellent when going outside.
- The highest chance of getting infected is between April and November, when ticks are most active. Avoid getting re-infected.
- Protect others from ticks.
- Protect your pets from ticks by using antitick drugs or shampoos.
- Spray insect repellent to get rid of ticks around your home.
- Share this information with your neighbors so they can spray around their homes.
- Clear your yard of dead trees to get rid of the insects that live in them.
- Caution others to avoid going into the area where you were bitten.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/TBE.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚