What is Tick Borne Encephalitis? And Why Should You Care?

 

Tick Borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis is a dreaded infection of the central nervous system which is generally caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus. This virus is transmitted to humans predominantly by tick bites. During the last few decades, it has been recorded that the incidence of the disease has been rapidly increasing, posing a great threat to mankind and creating a whole lot of health problems in almost all endemic European and Asian countries. Most cases visibly occur during the highest period of tick activity. This is mostly noted in Central Europe mainly from April to November.

Tick-borne encephalitis has a predilection for adults more than that of children. There's a variation in the clinical spectrum of the disease. The spectrum can range from mild meningitis to severe meningoencephalitis. This may come inclusive of paralysis. If you wish to travel to a place where the tick activities are a threat, it is advised that you visit a Travel Clinic Servicesin Uxbridge without delay. You can also opt for Private Vaccination Hillingdon.

There are also rare clinical manifestations of encephalitis that include the abortive form of the disease as well as a chronic progressive form. A post-encephalitic syndrome can also be the reason behind causing long-lasting morbidity that often affects the quality of life.

Initial symptoms of Tick-borne encephalitis are similar to flu. Some of the symptoms are as listed below:

● High fever (temperature ranges from that of 38C (100.4F) or above)

● headache

● Fatigue

● muscle ache or cramps

In around 1 in every 3 cases of Tick-Borne encephalitis, the initial symptoms are then followed by additional symptoms. These symptoms are caused by the virus which spreads to the layer of protective tissue known as meningitis which covers the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and the brain itself.

In rare cases, these ‘second-stage’ symptoms can be relatively mild. These symptoms are as stated below:

● feeling sick and nauseated

● increased sensitivity to bright lights

● seizures (fits)

● inability to communicate

● inability to control physical movements