What is Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)

Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection that affects the brain and central nervous system, and is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected ticks. It is caused by the Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family.

Signs & Symptoms

1

Incubation period

  • Duration: ~7 to 14 days (range: 4–28 days)

  • Symptoms: None (asymptomatic phase)

  • This is the period after a tick bite but before any symptoms appear.

2

Prodromal / Early Phase (Viremic Phase)

  • Duration: 2–7 days

  • Common symptoms (flu-like):

    • Fever

    • Headache

    • Fatigue

    • Muscle pain

    • Nausea

    • Malaise

  • Often resolves spontaneously, but in 20–30% of symptomatic patients, the illness progresses after a brief improvement.

3

Neurological Phase

  • Begins ~1 week after initial symptoms subside

  • Symptoms depend on severity:

    • Meningitis: headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light

    • Encephalitis: confusion, seizures, balance problems

    • Meningoencephalomyelitis (severe cases): limb weakness, paralysis, especially in older adults

4

Coma (Rare, Severe Cases)

  • In very severe TBE, especially in older or immunocompromised patients, coma may occur due to brain inflammation and swelling.

5

Death

  • Fatality rate:

    • ~1–2% for European subtypes

    • Up to 20–40% for Far Eastern (Siberian) subtypes

  • Risk of death increases with age and severity of neurological involvement.

Long-Term Effects (Post-TBE Syndrome)

  • In 10–50% of patients with CNS involvement:

    • Chronic headaches

    • Memory problems

    • Muscle weakness

    • Coordination issues

    • Depression or fatigue

Who is most at risk for TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis):

  • People in endemic areas (Eastern/Central Europe, Russia, Asia)

  • Travelers and hikers in rural/forested zones

  • Outdoor workers (foresters, farmers, soldiers)

  • Unvaccinated individuals, especially the elderly and immunocompromised

  • Children (more frequent contact with nature)

Prevention: Vaccination, protective clothing, repellents, body checks after outdoor activity

How to prevent Tick-Borne Encephalitis

  • ✅ Vaccination:
    The most effective protection. Recommended for people living, working, or traveling in endemic areas (e.g., Central/Eastern Europe, Russia).
    Given in 2 or 3 doses, with periodic boosters for long-term protection.

  • 🛡️ Protective clothing:
    Wear long sleeves and pants; tuck pants into socks.

  • 🦟 Repellents:
    Use products with DEET or permethrin.

  • 🔍 Body check:
    Check your body and clothes after outdoor activities.

  • 🚫 Avoid high-risk areas:
    Stay on marked trails, especially from spring to autumn.

Treatment for Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is no specific treatment for TBE once the infection develops.
If you are bitten by a tick in an endemic area, you should remove it promptly and monitor for symptoms.

Prevention usually involves:

  • Vaccination (2–3 doses with boosters for long-term protection).

  • Protective measures: long sleeves, pants, and tick repellents.

  • Regular body checks after outdoor activities to remove ticks early.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis is a serious disease

There is no cure, but it is almost 100% preventable with vaccination. Ticks are most active from spring to autumn, especially in forests and grassy areas

Vaccination

No vaccines found for this disease.

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21 July 2025