Tick-Borne Encephalitis Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Guide
Overview
What Is Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)?
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral sickness spread by ticks. Most individuals have no indications or only flu-like side effects, but some create neurological conditions that can cause extreme complications, including shortcoming and loss of motion. A antibody is accessible for individuals at higher risk.
There are three subtypes of TBE based on where they are found:
- European
- Far Eastern
- Siberian
Ticks in the U.S. do not carry the tick-borne encephalitis virus.
Symptoms and Causes
What Are the Indications of Tick-Borne Encephalitis?
Symptoms of TBE can happen in two stages.
First Stage Symptoms
Beginning side effects usually start within about a week after a tick bite.
- Fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
Second Stage Symptoms
A few days to a week later, and sometimes weeks after the initial symptoms improve, some individuals create neurological indications.
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Confusion or modified mental state
- Muscle weakness
- Stiff neck
- Facial paralysis
- Seizures
What Causes TBE?
Tick-borne encephalitis is caused by a virus (TBEV), which belongs to the class Flavirus and family Flaviridae.
Types of TBE Virus
- European: Spread by Ixodes ricinus (castor bean ticks) in parts of eastern, central and northern Europe. It is most common in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
- Far Eastern: Spread by Ixodes persulcatus (taiga ticks) in parts of eastern Russia, China and Japan.
- Siberian: Spread by Ixodes persulcatus in parts of Russia, including Siberia and the Ural region, and some parts of northeastern Europe.
How Does TBE Spread?
Tick-borne encephalitis virus spreads through the bite of infected ticks. These ticks live in forested areas of Europe and Asia.
You can also get TBE from:
- Drinking unpasteurized milk
- Breast milk during breastfeeding
What Are the Complications of TBE?
The main complications of TBE are swelling of the brain (encephalitis) and swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
These complications can lead to permanent:
- Paralysis
- Memory loss
- Balance and coordination problems
- Speech and language difficulties
Diagnosis and Tests
How Is TBE Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers consider your symptoms and recent travel history to diagnose TBE.
They may ask if you have recently traveled to parts of Europe or Asia where TBE-carrying ticks are common.
Tests used to confirm the diagnosis include:
- Blood test
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have traveled or spent time in tick-infested areas, even if you do not remember being bitten.
Management and Treatment
How Is TBE Treated?
There is no specific treatment for tick-borne encephalitis.
Supportive care may include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting enough rest
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
If you are seriously ill, you may need hospital care. Some individuals require mechanical ventilation to help them breathe.
Outlook / Prognosis
What Can I Expect If I Have TBE?
Your outlook depends on the subtype of TBE.
- European and Siberian subtypes are less likely to cause neurological complications.
- Far Eastern TBE is more likely to cause severe illness.
- Siberian TBE can sometimes lead to long-lasting or chronic disease.
Neurological symptoms may appear up to 20 days after the initial symptoms improve.
What Is the Mortality Rate of Tick-Borne Encephalitis?
- European and Siberian TBE: Less than 3%
- Far Eastern TBE: Up to 35%
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have been in an area where ticks are common and develop flu-like symptoms.
They can explain how to care for yourself at home and what warning signs to watch for.
When Should I Go to the ER?
Go to the emergency room if you experience:
- High fever (over 103°F / 40°C)
- Severe headache
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme weakness
- Paralysis
- Seizures
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- How do I get vaccinated if I am traveling to an area where TBE is common?
- How should I care for myself at home?
- Am I at risk for severe symptoms?
- What warning signs should I watch for?
Prevention
Can TBE Be Prevented?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent tick-borne encephalitis, especially for individuals who spend time outdoors in areas where infected ticks are found.
How to Reduce Tick Bites
- Wear long pants, socks and long-sleeved shirts in tick-prone areas.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET.
- Check your body and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
- Ask your veterinarian how to protect pets from ticks.
- Keep your grass cut short.
Food Safety
Do not consume unpasteurized milk or dairy products such as cheese and ice cream, as they may carry the virus.
Additional Common Questions
What Is the Difference Between TBE and Lyme Disease?
TBE and Lyme disease are both spread by ticks, but they are different illnesses.
- TBE is caused by a virus and has no specific treatment.
- Lyme disease is caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics.
- Lyme disease occurs in some of the same regions in Europe and Asia.
- Ticks in the U.S. do not spread TBE.
A Note from Cleveland Clinic
It can be difficult to know when a tick bite is simply an inconvenience and when it may lead to something more serious.
Understanding which diseases ticks carry in the places where you live or travel can help you stay protected.
A vaccine is available to help prevent tick-borne encephalitis. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you may need vaccination or if you have any concerns about TBE.
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According to research on Encephalitis: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Guide
