Tick-borne encephalitis is a specific viral disease that provokes inflammation of the brain, as well as damage to the nervous system (peripheral and central).
Symptoms of encephalitis after a tick bite occur only if the insect was a carrier of the virus. In nature, two species carry it: European and taiga. Their main habitats are the territories of Siberia, the Urals and the Far East. The peak of tick activity is the end of spring, the last days of summer and the beginning of autumn. In these months, the incidence, respectively, also increases sharply.
Varieties
Specialists distinguish several types of disease. Symptoms of encephalitis after a tick bite, depending on this, can vary among themselves and manifest with different strengths.
- Far Eastern encephalitis. It is considered the most dangerous variety of the disease, it is very difficult. The percentage of deaths reaches 30-40%.
- European encephalitis. It is tolerated quite easily (with timely treatment). Mortality is relatively low.
Symptomatology
So, let's move on to the most important thing. When an insect bites, its saliva, which contains the virus, enters the human body. He needs some time for reproduction in tissues, penetration into the blood and lymph nodes. The first symptoms of encephalitis after a tick bite are very similar to flu: the temperature rises, chills, body aches. This condition lasts about 2 days on average. Further symptoms will depend on the form of the disease: febrile, meningeal, polio, or encephalitis.
Febrile. With this form of the disease, the virus does not affect the nervous system. It appears as a severe viral infection. The main symptoms: fever, severe weakness in the body, aches. A serious condition lasts an average of about 10 days. No changes in cerebral fluid occur. As a rule, at this stage, patients successfully recover.
The meningeal form is characterized by the penetration of the virus into the nervous system. The main symptoms of encephalitis after a tick bite at this stage: cessation of fever, temporary improvement. Then the patient suddenly begins to fever, the first signs appear that speak of neurological disorders: vomiting, headache, stiff neck, photophobia. There are changes in the cerebrospinal fluid, signs of inflammation of the meninges appear.
The encephalitic form is the next stage of the disease. During this period, the brain substance is affected, focal signs are formed. The symptoms listed above persist, and in addition to them mental disorders, convulsions, paralysis and paresis, impaired consciousness are added. This form has a high death rate.
The last, polio form of the disease affects neurons in the motor zones of the spinal cord, as is the case with conventional poliomyelitis. As a result, flaccid paralysis of the muscles and neck develop, resulting in disability.
Now you know what threat the encephalitis- carrying tick may be fraught with . Symptoms that appear in the early stages (fever and general malaise) should not be attributed to a common cold. If you know that you were in a place where an insect could bite you, it is better to immediately go to the doctor's appointment. Remember that the female tick can drink blood until it is fully saturated (up to several days). Moreover, the person does not feel anything - the bite is completely painless.
Prevention
When camping with family or friends, be sure to ask acquaintances to examine you from time to time, since most insect repellents do not work on ticks. It is advisable to wear light clothing, but covering your arms, legs and other parts of your body so that there are as few open areas as possible. The simplest precautions will help you and your loved ones prevent tick-borne encephalitis.
Symptoms in children and adults who have experienced this disease, even with the mildest forms of the disease, are quite difficult to tolerate. Therefore, it is better to prevent a bite than to then deal with its consequences.