Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease caused by a virus that attacks the nerve cells in the brain and the structures surrounding it. This disease is transmitted by ticks, but it is also possible to become infected by consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk or its products from cows and goats infected with the TBE virus.
Even quick removal of the tick does not provide protection, as the TBE virus, unlike the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, is found in the tick’s saliva and requires only a short time after the bite to enter the human body. Antibiotics are also ineffective against the virus, and currently, medicine does not have a drug that can effectively destroy the virus multiplying in our body.
Tick-borne encephalitis usually has a two-phase course. The first phase involves flu-like symptoms, while in the second phase, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord are affected, and in more severe cases, the brain and spinal cord themselves may be affected. All patients in this phase require hospitalization, and in the most severe cases, breathing disturbances may require respiratory support.
There is currently no curative treatment for tick-borne encephalitis. The only way to protect oneself and one’s loved ones is through prevention, and the best form of prevention is currently vaccination. Vaccines are available at our clinic. We invite you to get vaccinated.