Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) - causes, symptoms & prevention

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease caused by the TBE virus that is particularly prevalent in Europe and parts of Asia.

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Wissenswertes über "Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)"

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease caused by the TBE virus that is particularly prevalent in Europe and parts of Asia.

The disease primarily affects the central nervous system, especially the brain and meninges, and can lead to serious health problems. The FSME virus belongs to the flavivirus family and is mainly transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes (especially the wood tick). The tick becomes infected with the virus when sucking blood from an infected animal and can then transmit it to humans through a bite. In order to transmit the virus, the tick usually has to remain on the human's skin for some time - usually several hours. TBE is not transmitted from person to person, but exclusively through the tick bite. The risk of a tick bite is particularly high in forests, meadows and other green areas.

The symptoms of TBE can be divided into two phases. In the first phase (approx. 7-14 days after the tick bite), flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and nausea often occur. These symptoms can be mistaken for a common cold or flu. In the second phase (about a week after a symptom-free interval), severe symptoms affecting the central nervous system, such as meningitis, encephalitis or signs of paralysis, develop in about a third of patients. At this stage, severe neurological damage such as paralysis, convulsions and impaired consciousness can occur. In severe cases, TBE can be fatal or leave permanent neurological damage. The severity of the disease varies and many people who become infected with the TBE virus show no or only mild symptoms. However, around 10-20% of those infected become seriously ill.

As there is no specific therapy against the TBE virus, prevention is the most important approach. The most important preventative measures are protection against ticks in the form of tick repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing and long trousers can significantly reduce the risk of a tick bite. After spending time outdoors, ticks should be thoroughly searched for and removed, especially in TBE areas. One of the most effective preventative measures is the TBE vaccination. It is particularly recommended for people who spend time in risk areas such as forests, meadows and rural regions. The vaccination not only protects against a serious illness, but also reduces the risk of the virus spreading in the body. The vaccination is usually given in several doses over a period of several months.