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Is viral encephalitis contagious. Viral Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What is viral encephalitis. How is viral encephalitis transmitted. What are the symptoms of viral encephalitis. How is viral encephalitis diagnosed. What are the treatment options for viral encephalitis. Who is at higher risk for complications from viral encephalitis. What are the potential complications of viral encephalitis.

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Understanding Viral Encephalitis: An Overview

Viral encephalitis is a serious condition characterized by inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection. This inflammation can lead to a range of symptoms and, in severe cases, may result in permanent brain damage. While various microorganisms can trigger encephalitis, viruses are the most common culprits, with enteroviruses being particularly prevalent.

When viruses enter the bloodstream, they can migrate to the brain and begin multiplying. The body’s immune response to this invasion causes brain swelling, leading to the typical symptoms associated with viral encephalitis. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this condition is crucial for early detection and effective management.

Common Causes and Transmission of Viral Encephalitis

Viral encephalitis can be caused by a wide range of viruses, each with its own mode of transmission. Some of the most common viruses associated with encephalitis include:

  • Enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, poliovirus, echovirus)
  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Varicella zoster virus
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Adenovirus
  • Rubella
  • Measles
  • Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus
  • Kunjin virus
  • Japanese encephalitis virus

These viruses can spread through various means, including:

  1. Respiratory droplets from infected individuals
  2. Insect bites (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks)
  3. Consumption of contaminated food or drink
  4. Direct contact with infected individuals
  5. Reactivation of dormant viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex virus)

Recognizing the Symptoms of Viral Encephalitis

Identifying the symptoms of viral encephalitis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The most common symptoms include:

  • High fever
  • Severe headache
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • General malaise
  • Stiff neck and back
  • Vomiting
  • Changes in personality
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss (amnesia)
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis
  • Coma (in severe cases)

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary in severity and may develop rapidly or gradually over several days. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, especially in combination with a recent viral infection or insect bite, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

The Diagnostic Process for Viral Encephalitis

Diagnosing viral encephalitis involves a comprehensive approach that combines clinical evaluation with various diagnostic tests. The process typically includes:

  1. Physical examination
  2. Blood tests to detect signs of infection and identify specific viruses
  3. Lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid
  4. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain
  5. Electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain wave activity
  6. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detailed brain imaging

These diagnostic tools help healthcare providers confirm the presence of encephalitis, identify the causative virus when possible, and assess the extent of brain inflammation. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and minimizing potential complications.

How is cerebrospinal fluid analysis performed?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is performed through a procedure called a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. During this procedure, a small needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine to collect a sample of CSF. The fluid is then examined in a laboratory for signs of infection, inflammation, and the presence of specific viruses or antibodies. This analysis can provide valuable information for diagnosing viral encephalitis and distinguishing it from other neurological conditions.

Treatment Strategies for Viral Encephalitis

Treating viral encephalitis can be challenging due to the limited effectiveness of antiviral medications against many viruses. However, a multi-faceted approach is often employed to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options may include:

  • Hospitalization for close monitoring and supportive care
  • Antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir) for specific viruses like herpes simplex
  • Intravenous medications to reduce brain swelling
  • Pain-relieving medications
  • Anti-emetic drugs to prevent vomiting
  • Anticonvulsant medications to prevent seizures
  • Fever-reducing medications
  • Fluids and electrolytes to maintain proper hydration

The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of symptoms, the identified or suspected virus, and the patient’s overall health condition. In some cases, intensive care may be necessary to manage severe complications and support vital functions.

Why is early treatment crucial for viral encephalitis?

Early treatment of viral encephalitis is critical because it can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Prompt administration of antiviral medications, when appropriate, can help limit viral replication and minimize brain damage. Additionally, early interventions to manage symptoms and complications can prevent further neurological deterioration and support the body’s natural healing processes.

High-Risk Groups and Potential Complications

While viral encephalitis can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk of developing severe complications. These high-risk groups include:

  • Infants under one year of age
  • Adults over 55 years old
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems

Potential complications of viral encephalitis can be severe and life-threatening, including:

  1. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  2. Low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia)
  3. Bleeding inside the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage)
  4. Permanent brain damage
  5. Death in severe cases

The risk of complications underscores the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, particularly for individuals in high-risk groups.

Prevention Strategies and Public Health Measures

Preventing viral encephalitis involves a combination of personal protective measures and public health initiatives. Some key prevention strategies include:

  • Vaccination against viruses that can cause encephalitis (e.g., measles, rubella, Japanese encephalitis)
  • Using insect repellents and protective clothing in areas with mosquito-borne viruses
  • Practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing
  • Avoiding close contact with individuals who have viral infections
  • Ensuring proper food and water sanitation
  • Mosquito control programs in endemic areas

Public health measures, such as surveillance programs and vaccination campaigns, play a crucial role in preventing outbreaks of viral encephalitis, especially in regions where certain viruses are endemic.

How effective are vaccines in preventing viral encephalitis?

Vaccines have proven highly effective in preventing several forms of viral encephalitis. For example, widespread vaccination programs have significantly reduced the incidence of encephalitis caused by measles, mumps, and rubella. In regions where Japanese encephalitis is endemic, vaccination has dramatically decreased infection rates. However, it’s important to note that not all viruses causing encephalitis have available vaccines, highlighting the need for ongoing research and development in this area.

Long-Term Outlook and Recovery from Viral Encephalitis

The long-term prognosis for individuals with viral encephalitis can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

  • The specific virus causing the infection
  • The severity and duration of brain inflammation
  • The timeliness of diagnosis and treatment
  • The patient’s age and overall health status

Many individuals recover fully from viral encephalitis, especially with prompt and appropriate treatment. However, some may experience lasting neurological effects, which can range from mild cognitive impairments to more severe disabilities. These long-term effects may include:

  1. Memory problems
  2. Personality changes
  3. Speech and language difficulties
  4. Physical impairments
  5. Seizures
  6. Learning disabilities (particularly in children)

Rehabilitation and ongoing support are often crucial components of the recovery process for those experiencing long-term effects of viral encephalitis. This may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support.

What role does neuroplasticity play in recovery from viral encephalitis?

Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections and reorganize existing ones, plays a significant role in recovery from viral encephalitis. This remarkable property allows the brain to adapt and compensate for damaged areas, potentially restoring lost functions over time. Rehabilitation programs often leverage neuroplasticity principles to help patients relearn skills and develop new neural pathways. While the extent of recovery can vary, understanding and harnessing neuroplasticity offers hope for improved outcomes in many cases of viral encephalitis.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Viral Encephalitis

The field of viral encephalitis research is dynamic, with ongoing efforts to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Some areas of current and future research include:

  • Development of rapid diagnostic tests for faster identification of causative viruses
  • Investigation of new antiviral therapies with broader efficacy
  • Exploration of immunomodulatory treatments to manage brain inflammation
  • Research into neuroprotective agents to minimize brain damage
  • Advancements in neuroimaging techniques for earlier and more precise diagnosis
  • Development of vaccines for additional encephalitis-causing viruses
  • Studies on long-term outcomes and rehabilitation strategies

These research directions hold promise for improving our understanding of viral encephalitis and enhancing patient care in the future. As new discoveries are made, treatment protocols and prevention strategies will likely evolve, potentially leading to better outcomes for individuals affected by this serious condition.

How might advances in gene therapy impact the treatment of viral encephalitis?

Advances in gene therapy could potentially revolutionize the treatment of viral encephalitis in several ways. For instance, gene therapy approaches might be developed to target and inhibit viral replication within brain cells, offering a more precise and effective treatment than current antiviral medications. Additionally, gene therapy could be used to enhance the brain’s natural defense mechanisms against viral infections or to promote neuronal repair and regeneration following encephalitis-induced damage. While these applications are still largely theoretical, ongoing research in gene therapy holds exciting potential for future treatments of viral encephalitis and other neurological disorders.

Viral encephalitis – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

  • Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus.
  • The most serious potential complication is permanent brain damage. 
  • Children aged under one year and adults aged over 55 years are at increased risk of life-threatening complications.
  • Treatment options include medication to relieve the symptoms and antiviral medications if appropriate.

What is viral encephalitis?

Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. Some viral diseases, such as measles and rubella, can also progress to involve inflammation of the brain. Other micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi and parasites, are capable of triggering encephalitis, but viruses – particularly the group known as enteroviruses – are the leading cause.

Once inside the blood, the viruses migrate to the brain where they start to multiply. The body notices the invasion and mounts an immune system response. This causes the brain to swell. The combination of infection and immune response creates the typical symptoms of viral encephalitis.

The most serious potential complication from viral encephalitis is permanent brain damage. Children aged under one year and adults aged over 55 years are more vulnerable to life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of viral encephalitis

The symptoms of viral encephalitis include:

  • high temperature
  • headache
  • sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • general malaise
  • stiff neck
  • stiff back
  • vomiting
  • changes to personality
  • confusion
  • memory loss (amnesia)
  • seizures
  • paralysis
  • coma.

Viruses that can cause encephalitis

Some of the viruses that are capable of causing encephalitis include:

  • enteroviruses – such as coxsackievirus, poliovirus and echovirus
  • herpes simplex virus
  • varicella zoster virus
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • cytomegalovirus
  • adenovirus
  • rubella
  • measles
  • Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus and Kunjin virus
  • Japanese encephalitis virus.

Modes of transmission of viruses

Viruses spread by different means, and some are more infectious than others. Some of the modes of viral transmission include:

  • coughs or sneezes from an infected person that release airborne viruses, which are then inhaled by others
  • infected insects (such as mosquitoes or ticks) and animals, which can transfer some viruses directly into the bloodstream via their bite
  • eating contaminated food or drink
  • the transfer of some viruses can occur through touching an infected person
  • there is evidence to suggest that some cases of viral encephalitis are caused by a dormant viral infection (such as herpes simplex virus) becoming active again.

Infection and the immune system response

Once viruses have gained access to the bloodstream, they can multiply and spread to other parts of the body, including to the spinal cord and brain (the central nervous system). Access to the brain is by blood or nerves. After breaching the blood–brain barrier, the viruses slip inside brain cells. This disrupts, damages and ultimately ruptures the infected brain cells.

Certain viruses have a preference for different areas of the brain. For example, the herpes simplex virus likes to target the temporal lobes located near each ear.

The cells of the immune system rush to the brain and start attacking the viruses. This causes the characteristic brain swelling (cerebral oedema). Both the infection and the attempts of the body to fight the infection are responsible for the symptoms of viral encephalitis.

Complications of viral encephalitis

Babies, older people and people with reduced immunity are at increased risk of developing complications of viral encephalitis. Some of these complications include:

  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxaemia)
  • bleeding inside the brain (intracerebral haemorrhage)
  • permanent brain damage
  • death.

Diagnosis of viral encephalitis

Viral encephalitis is diagnosed using a number of tests including:

  • physical examination
  • blood tests
  • laboratory examination of cerebrospinal fluid (clear liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord) removed via a lumbar puncture (a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine)
  • computed tomography (CT) scan
  • electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain waves
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment for viral encephalitis

Unlike bacteria, viruses are difficult to treat. Antiviral medications only work on a limited number of viruses. Treatment aims to reduce the severity of the symptoms and may include:

  • hospitalisation
  • antiviral medication, given intravenously, if the virus is known to be susceptible to treatment with antiviral medication (such as the herpes simplex virus)
  • intravenous administration of medications to help reduce brain swelling
  • pain-relieving medication
  • medication to prevent vomiting
  • medication to prevent seizures (anticonvulsant)
  • medication to reduce fever, such as paracetamol
  • fluids to prevent dehydration, but not too much as this can worsen cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain).

Long-term outlook for viral encephalitis

The severity of viral encephalitis depends on the particular virus and how quickly treatment was given. Generally, the acute phase of the illness lasts around one or 2 weeks, and the symptoms either disappear quickly or subside slowly over a period of time.

In many cases, the person makes a full recovery. In other cases, the person can be left with varying degrees of brain damage, which may require long-term supportive care and therapy.

Where to get help

  • Always call an ambulance in an emergency (triple zero) Tel. 000
  • Emergency department of your nearest hospital
  • Your GP (doctor)
  • NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours, 7 days) – for confidential health advice from a registered nurse

  • EncephalitisExternal Link, 2017, Medscape, USA.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Department of Health – Public Health – Communicable Disease Prevention and Control

Viral encephalitis – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

  • Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus.
  • The most serious potential complication is permanent brain damage. 
  • Children aged under one year and adults aged over 55 years are at increased risk of life-threatening complications.
  • Treatment options include medication to relieve the symptoms and antiviral medications if appropriate.

What is viral encephalitis?

Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. Some viral diseases, such as measles and rubella, can also progress to involve inflammation of the brain. Other micro-organisms, such as bacteria, fungi and parasites, are capable of triggering encephalitis, but viruses – particularly the group known as enteroviruses – are the leading cause.

Once inside the blood, the viruses migrate to the brain where they start to multiply. The body notices the invasion and mounts an immune system response. This causes the brain to swell. The combination of infection and immune response creates the typical symptoms of viral encephalitis.

The most serious potential complication from viral encephalitis is permanent brain damage. Children aged under one year and adults aged over 55 years are more vulnerable to life-threatening complications.

Symptoms of viral encephalitis

The symptoms of viral encephalitis include:

  • high temperature
  • headache
  • sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • general malaise
  • stiff neck
  • stiff back
  • vomiting
  • changes to personality
  • confusion
  • memory loss (amnesia)
  • seizures
  • paralysis
  • coma.

Viruses that can cause encephalitis

Some of the viruses that are capable of causing encephalitis include:

  • enteroviruses – such as coxsackievirus, poliovirus and echovirus
  • herpes simplex virus
  • varicella zoster virus
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • cytomegalovirus
  • adenovirus
  • rubella
  • measles
  • Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus and Kunjin virus
  • Japanese encephalitis virus.

Modes of transmission of viruses

Viruses spread by different means, and some are more infectious than others. Some of the modes of viral transmission include:

  • coughs or sneezes from an infected person that release airborne viruses, which are then inhaled by others
  • infected insects (such as mosquitoes or ticks) and animals, which can transfer some viruses directly into the bloodstream via their bite
  • eating contaminated food or drink
  • the transfer of some viruses can occur through touching an infected person
  • there is evidence to suggest that some cases of viral encephalitis are caused by a dormant viral infection (such as herpes simplex virus) becoming active again.

Infection and the immune system response

Once viruses have gained access to the bloodstream, they can multiply and spread to other parts of the body, including to the spinal cord and brain (the central nervous system). Access to the brain is by blood or nerves. After breaching the blood–brain barrier, the viruses slip inside brain cells. This disrupts, damages and ultimately ruptures the infected brain cells.

Certain viruses have a preference for different areas of the brain. For example, the herpes simplex virus likes to target the temporal lobes located near each ear.

The cells of the immune system rush to the brain and start attacking the viruses. This causes the characteristic brain swelling (cerebral oedema). Both the infection and the attempts of the body to fight the infection are responsible for the symptoms of viral encephalitis.

Complications of viral encephalitis

Babies, older people and people with reduced immunity are at increased risk of developing complications of viral encephalitis. Some of these complications include:

  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxaemia)
  • bleeding inside the brain (intracerebral haemorrhage)
  • permanent brain damage
  • death.

Diagnosis of viral encephalitis

Viral encephalitis is diagnosed using a number of tests including:

  • physical examination
  • blood tests
  • laboratory examination of cerebrospinal fluid (clear liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord) removed via a lumbar puncture (a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine)
  • computed tomography (CT) scan
  • electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain waves
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment for viral encephalitis

Unlike bacteria, viruses are difficult to treat. Antiviral medications only work on a limited number of viruses. Treatment aims to reduce the severity of the symptoms and may include:

  • hospitalisation
  • antiviral medication, given intravenously, if the virus is known to be susceptible to treatment with antiviral medication (such as the herpes simplex virus)
  • intravenous administration of medications to help reduce brain swelling
  • pain-relieving medication
  • medication to prevent vomiting
  • medication to prevent seizures (anticonvulsant)
  • medication to reduce fever, such as paracetamol
  • fluids to prevent dehydration, but not too much as this can worsen cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain).

Long-term outlook for viral encephalitis

The severity of viral encephalitis depends on the particular virus and how quickly treatment was given. Generally, the acute phase of the illness lasts around one or 2 weeks, and the symptoms either disappear quickly or subside slowly over a period of time.

In many cases, the person makes a full recovery. In other cases, the person can be left with varying degrees of brain damage, which may require long-term supportive care and therapy.

Where to get help

  • Always call an ambulance in an emergency (triple zero) Tel. 000
  • Emergency department of your nearest hospital
  • Your GP (doctor)
  • NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours, 7 days) – for confidential health advice from a registered nurse

  • EncephalitisExternal Link, 2017, Medscape, USA.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Department of Health – Public Health – Communicable Disease Prevention and Control

What you need to know about tick-borne encephalitis?

Tick-borne viral encephalitis (hereinafter referred to as TBE) is a natural focal acute viral infectious disease with a transmissible pathogen transmission mechanism.

07/12/2019

1913

Depending on the form of the disease, its manifestations are fever, headache, convulsions, vomiting, incoordination, pain along the nerves, flaccid paresis and paralysis.

Treatment is carried out exclusively in a hospital. A sick person with tick-borne encephalitis is not contagious and does not pose a danger to others.

TBE foci are widespread in the temperate climatic zone of Eurasia, from the Far East to Western Europe, and the area of ​​the tick-borne encephalitis virus coincides with the area of ​​infection carriers – ixodid ticks living in forest and forest-steppe biotopes.

Ticks infect humans by sucking or crushing them in areas of damaged human skin. The TBE virus reservoir is ixodid ticks and rodents. Ticks feed on large and small mammals and birds.

It is necessary to follow the rules of behavior in a territory dangerous for ticks:

  • conduct self- and mutual examinations every 10 – 15 minutes to detect ticks;
  • do not sit or lie down on the grass;
  • Arrange camps and overnight stays in the forest in areas devoid of grass vegetation or in dry pine forests on sandy soils;
  • after returning from the forest or before spending the night, take off your clothes, carefully examine the body and clothes;
  • do not bring into the room freshly picked plants, outerwear and other items that may be mites;
  • inspect dogs and other animals to detect and remove attached and attached ticks.

Dress in a way that facilitates a quick inspection for ticks: wear plain and light-colored clothing; tuck trousers into boots, stockings or socks with a tight elastic band, the upper part of the clothing into trousers; sleeve cuffs should fit snugly to the arm; the collar of the shirt and trousers should not have a fastener or have a tight fastener under which a tick cannot crawl; put on a hood on your head, sewn to a shirt, jacket or tuck your hair under a scarf, hat.

Use special chemical personal protective equipment against ticks: acaricidal agents (intended for treatment of outer clothing, application to the skin is unacceptable) and repellent agents (intended for treatment of outer clothing, application to the skin is possible to protect against blood-sucking Diptera).

If a tick is found, remove the tick as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Seek medical attention at a medical institution at the place of residence or a trauma center.

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is carried out for persons of hotel professions working in endemic areas. To do this, contact the clinic at the place of residence. It should be remembered that it is necessary to complete the vaccination course against tick-borne encephalitis 2 weeks before departure to a territory unfavorable for tick-borne encephalitis.


Tick-borne viral encephalitis and its prevention – “Kuzbass Children’s Clinical Hospital named after Professor Yu.E. Malakhovskogo”

Tick-borne encephalitis and its prevention are the most important topics in spring and summer for lovers of outdoor activities. Recently, however, bites of ixodid ticks have been observed on a massive scale in the centers of large cities. These blood-sucking insects feel great in landscaping, city parks, squares and alleys.

A small and seemingly harmless tick can cause a dangerous disease – tick-borne viral encephalitis. This infectious disease is manifested by fever, intoxication and damage to the central nervous system.

How to protect yourself from this disease? What to do if an infection occurs? What are the ways of treatment?

Encephalitis and ticks

Encephalitis is carried by the dog tick in Europe and the taiga tick in Siberia and the Far East. An infected tick retains the virus for life.

The infection quickly dies when heated, the action of ultraviolet radiation. May remain active for a long time in raw milk. It is believed that the disease caused by the Far Eastern subtype of the virus is more severe.

Tick-borne encephalitis disease

The tick-borne encephalitis virus is found in insect saliva. Transmission to a person or animal occurs at the time of the bite. It should be noted that even if the tick is removed immediately after it has attached itself, the risk of getting sick still remains. Tick-borne encephalitis develops within 2 to 3 weeks.

Infection is also possible when a tick is crushed on the skin – through small skin wounds and microtraumas, the virus will quickly penetrate into the bloodstream.

It is possible to pick up an illness when drinking unboiled goat or sheep milk, since the tick infects goats and sheep very often. In this case, family outbreaks of the disease may occur.

Signs and symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis

Usually, no changes occur at the site of tick bite. The incubation (hidden) period lasts from 2 to 21 days. Signs of encephalitis appear after this time.

When the virus enters the blood, symptoms of encephalitis appear, resembling flu: fatigue, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, there may be aching bones, fever. This is the so-called febrile form of the disease. It is believed that it proceeds quite easily, leaving no consequences.

The virus enters the brain through the blood-brain barrier. If this happens, then the neurological symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis are added to the fever.

Tick-borne encephalitis of the brain

Tick-borne encephalitis disease affects brain cells. The severity of damage to the nervous system determines the manifestations and prognosis of the disease. If the meninges are inflamed, then tick-borne encephalitis occurs in the meningeal form. In this case, a sharp headache, photophobia, tension of the occipital muscles join the febrile manifestations. It is believed that this form can also proceed without consequences.

Tick-borne encephalitis: consequences and complications

If nerve cells of the brain are damaged, focal forms of the disease develop encephalitis of the brain. They are the most dangerous, as they can leave severe complications of tick-borne encephalitis or lead to death. Subsequently, a violation of motor functions, a memory disorder, often people become disabled. Complications of tick-borne encephalitis can lead to disability.

TBE is treated only in a hospital, usually in an intensive care unit. Timely referral to the hospital can improve the prognosis of the disease!

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis

The most reliable measure of protection is vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis, in other words, vaccination. Mandatory vaccination is subject to people working in areas of risk for encephalitis: geologists, foresters, hunters, and so on.

Immunizations can be given both according to the planned and according to the emergency scheme. To form immunity by the beginning of the season, the first dose of the vaccine is administered in the fall, the second in the winter.

Emergency vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis

Emergency vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (two injections with an interval of two weeks) is carried out if a person arrives at the outbreak, the spread of tick-borne encephalitis suddenly.

Dangerous period – spring and summer. In other seasons, emergency prevention of encephalitis is not carried out. A year later, those vaccinated are vaccinated again.

If a person is not vaccinated, but the tick still bites him, then a dose of immunoglobulin is administered prophylactically. Therefore, when a tick is sucked, it is imperative to contact medical professionals!

Going on a hike

However, it is better to avoid the habitat of ticks unless absolutely necessary, especially in May-June. And if you are already going to the forest, then go along the beaten paths without climbing into the thicket. Wear long sleeves. Tuck your pants into your socks, wear high boots. Don’t neglect your headwear.

To make ticks easier to spot, light-colored clothing is best. Upon returning from the forest, clothes and the body must be examined.

Unscrewing the pincer

The tick can be removed with nail tweezers or a thread tied around the parasite’s head. The tick is removed by swinging – twisting movements. It is important not to crush the tick. Sometimes vegetable oil helps to unscrew the insect, put a couple of drops on the suction site.

The wound can be treated with any disinfectant solution (iodine, brilliant green, alcohol). After removal, the tick must be taken to a medical facility for analysis.

Help

After a tick bite infected with the encephalitis virus, it is necessary to carry out emergency prophylaxis within 3 days. Introduce anti-tick immunoglobulin at a dose of 1 ml per 10 kg of body weight or take iodantipyrine according to the appropriate scheme. Complications of encephalitis are so dangerous that it is better to make sure in advance.

But getting vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis after a tick bite is not only too late, but also contraindicated. If a person has already received a virus that is in the incubation period, the virus is still added to it (although it is a killed vaccine), there may be complications. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is necessary before the tick season. If earlier tick-borne encephalitis was mainly distributed in the Far East and Siberia, now it is also in the European part of Russia. Here, people are at risk, because before this disease was not, and, consequently, immunity was not developed. The consequences of encephalitis in this case can be unpredictable.

Measures to prevent tick-borne encephalitis

The absence of antibodies a few days after the prophylactic administration of anti-tick-borne immunoglobulin, if the laboratory examination is carried out correctly, first of all indicates an inadequate dose of immunoglobulin. The dose is calculated as follows: 1 ml per 10 kg of body weight. A slender thin woman and a large man require a completely different dose. There are other emergency measures to prevent tick-borne encephalitis.

It is too late to take iodantipyrine or another drug that can be used for emergency prophylaxis against tick-borne encephalitis 7 days after the bite. The deadline is 5 days.

The most effective protection against encephalitis is vaccination, of course, carried out in advance.

In April-May, the peak of the number of ticks occurs. Ticks do not know how to fly, but they can climb bushes, tall grass, and also successfully plan with a gust of wind, focusing on the smell of a person that they feel 10-15 meters away. Therefore, there are always more ticks along the paths than in the depths of a forest or park.

When going to the forest, it is advisable to wear a shirt with tight-fitting cuffs, which is tucked into trousers, and trousers into socks, a scarf is tightly tied around the head.