Tick-borne encephalitis. Symptoms in adults, children, treatment, the incubation period

Dangerous and unpleasant disease - encephalitis. It occurs in both adults and children. In order not to run the pathology and its time to start treatment, you need to be familiar with the symptoms. This will help in time to notice it and immediately consult a doctor.

The causes of disease

The cause of the infection is most often bite of an infected tick. Usually the insects are dangerous to humans in the off-season - in late spring and early autumn. At this time increases the total number of mites and appears more likely to encounter them in the forest park. But it is not always the person charged directly - through a bite.

There are other options:

• crush the tick, and the virus gets into the wound;
• In an unsuccessful attempt to remove the parasite after the bite;
• when a sample of milk from infected animals.

The longer the tick will be on the human body, the higher the risk of infection. It is therefore important to examine the open spaces without clothes after a walk in the forest, in the park and just gently remove bugs or insects on the skin.

Risk factors

Until about the middle of last century, the disease was considered primarily a professional. Most often, they hurt the people who work in the forest, had contact with wild animals and / or livestock. But lately, with each year an increasing number of urban residents infected with tick-borne encephalitis.

The virus enters the body through the bite of an insect while walking in the forest, park, on their summer cottage.

Most likely to be infected retirees and younger students. This is because these categories of people often go to the garden and forest parks in the period of maximum danger, when ticks become active - in spring and in late summer and early autumn.

But in general, the probability of infection with tick-borne encephalitis among different age citizens is almost the same. After all, even in patients older than 25 years is maintained low immune layer to the virus. But in the countryside the situation is better. Its inhabitants are less susceptible to the virus and the disease is easier to tolerate.

classification of diseases

Tick-borne encephalitis, symptoms of which it would be useful to know each occurs in different forms. For example, they differ in severity - from mild to severe and course of the disease - from acute to chronic.

Stand 3 and the main forms of disease that differ among themselves symptoms:

• Feverish. It develops most often - about half the cases. Among the signs is dominated by fever, the patient feels a strong malaise.
• Meningeal. It develops in 30% of cases. The virus affects the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Much pressure rises.
• Alopecia. It develops less often - about 20% of cases. Characterized by focal neurological symptoms. There may be seizures, impaired consciousness.

Symptoms increase gradually. This occurs during the 6-9 days. After this period, focal symptoms begin to subside. Slowly disappear cerebral and meningeal symptoms. The first form of the disease is the most simple and runs faster. In the second full recovery usually occurs within 15-20 days without any adverse effects.

But for several months, the patient can still continue to struggle with weakness, apathy, irritability. Full recovery in focal form without consequences for the organism is impossible. Typically, patients are faced with neurological disorders. May persist seizures, paralysis.

In the past 3 decades, experts have begun to actively carry out preventive measures, warning infected with tick-borne encephalitis. Due to this severe disease has become much rarer. Prevails feverish and meningeal a full recovery with no negative consequences.

Separately, it should be noted a special form of the disease, which is called "a progressive". It is able to develop after any other. Characterized by impaired function of the brain (the brain and spinal cord). This dangerous form may suddenly appear after a few months or even years after the acute period of the disease.

incubation period

activation of the virus time depends on many factors and can vary widely. It is most commonly enters the body when damaged skin mite. Even if the insect immediately removed, it does not guarantee complete security of the person. Often, transmission occurs in the first minutes of the parasite sucking the skin.

The average incubation period of the disease lasts for 7 to 14 days. But depending on the shape and characteristics of the pathology of the human body, these figures may differ greatly. It happens that the discussed period last only one day, or much longer - up to 30 days.

During lightning incubation period when until the first signs of the disease after infection extends no more than 25 hours, the particles virus very quickly and actively proliferate at the site of the bite (or on the wall of the intestine, if entered the body, such as milk from the patient animal). After that, they get into the bloodstream and have spread throughout the body.

Then the first symptoms appear. Hidden or disease incubation period lasts for about 1-2 weeks. But as the lightning may occur when from the moment of infection to the first signs of passes for 24 hours, and prolonged forms of the disease with a long incubation period of up to 1 month.

In most cases, it begins immediately with the pathology of the acute form. There is a strong chills, fever significantly. Period fever can last up to 9-10 days.

disease symptoms

Symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis is very different. There are common to all forms. This fever already noted above, as well as fatigue, headache, nausea (which can lead to vomiting), sleep problems, fatigue. Reddens the skin on the face, chest and neck, manifested conjunctivitis.

man often concerned about pain in the whole body. Especially strongly they felt in the arms, legs, muscles. In the future, it is in these areas may experience paralysis.

First, the patient may appear that he fell ill with influenza. His condition is deteriorating. In all forms of a headache, lethargy, vomiting, and sometimes seizures. If you examine the patient, it can be seen dilated blood vessels on the whites of the eyes, redness of the skin.

With further development of the symptoms will depend already on its shape:

disease	characteristic symptoms
feverish	The temperature then falls, then rises again. Febrile seizures can be repeated for 10 days. Approximately this time the temperature is normalized, and the patient's condition is improving as a whole. However, weakness, sweating, loss of appetite, heart palpitations can occur in patients who still 25-30 days.
meningeal	About 3 hours in a patient showing symptoms typical of meningitis: severe headache, when that did not help painkillers, vomiting, tension neck (and thus throwing the head), pain Skin covers. These symptoms persist for about 15 days. Weakness, lethargy, depression, and fear of glare can be maintained even 60 days after recovery.
alopecia	This form of the most severe symptoms. The first body temperature rises to 40 ° and beyond. The person becomes sluggish, sleepy, he appeared cramps, nausea and vomiting. Possible hallucinations, delusions, delirium, impaired cardiac and respiratory muscle paralysis, sciatica.

If manifested any of these symptoms, the patient should immediately consult a specialist. He will be placed in an infectious diseases hospital for accurate diagnosis and treatment of a qualified competent.

Diagnostics

Tick-borne encephalitis, the symptoms of which can appear after a day after infection, it is important to start on time and correctly treated. But this is impossible without accurate diagnosis competent. It is carried out in different ways. Always - already in the hospital.

Laboratory research

If possible, it is necessary to bring the mite in the laboratory, where it will check for the presence of the pathogen encephalitis. Also, for the analysis of blood is taken and the patient's spinal fluid, which can detect the virus of the disease at an early stage of its development.

Other important tests:

• ELISA - this special blood analysis method to determine antibodies discussed disease;
  
• lumbar puncture;
• general biochemical analysis of blood - makes it possible to determine the extent of damage to the nervous system and its character.

Throughout the illness and in the process of healing a blood test is taken again and repeatedly. So experts supervise over pathology.

hardware diagnostics

Hardware diagnostics is suspected of being infected with tick-borne encephalitis is not carried out. But the specialist will inspect the patient for the presence of symptoms. Also, the patient can be assigned to various US agencies. For example, the heart, to evaluate its performance in focal form of pathology.

treatment of the disease

Tick-borne encephalitis requires immediate competent and quality treatment. Well aware of the symptoms, the patient will be able in time to see a doctor. Regimen can only choose the right doctor, taking into account the shape, stage of the disease and the general state of a person.

In the acute phase the patient is always assigned to bed rest. This is true even in light of its forms. The patient should restrict movement and contact with irritants. This will speed up the process of recovery and a positive impact on health.

medicines

The entire period of treatment against tick-borne encephalitis patient should be kept under strict medical supervision. Home therapy is contraindicated in this case and is very dangerous.

Medicines used for the treatment of the following groups:

• antibiotics - reduce inflammation;
• diuretics - cope with the swelling of the brain, stopped its destruction;
• glucocorticosteroid agent - promote normal carbon, protein metabolism in the body;
• antihistamines - help to cope with mental illness;
  
• analgesics - stop the development of encephalitis in the brain;
• analeptic - improve lung ventilation;
• antidepressants and anxiolytics - restore the nervous system and improve the psychological state of the patient.

In hypovolemic shock to a patient can be assigned to the dextran solution. Medication for each individual patient are selected individually. The treatment regimen also registers with the symptoms and condition of the patient.

A popular means for the treatment and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis - Jodantipyrin. This drug with anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immunomodulatory properties.

If a patient is diagnosed pathology, the drug is prescribed as follows:

1. The first 2 days on 3 tablets 3 times a day after main meals.
2. On days 3 and 4 - 2 tablets 3 times a day.
3. The next 5 days - 1 tablet 3 times a day.

The drug is taken for prevention - 2 1 pill once a day before breakfast. The course - the entire period of stay in the area of ​​possible contact with ticks.

Other commonly prescribed agent for tick-borne encephalitis:

• prednisolone - up to 10 mg / kg per day (days 3-5 - pulse therapy);
• ribavirin - 10 mg / kg per day (14 days);
• solutionmannitol (10-20%) - 1 to 1.5 g / kg intravenously;
• dexamethasone - 4 mg every 6 hours intramuscularly / intravenously;
• diazepam dextrose solution at - 5-10 mg intravenously;
• thiopental solution sodium 1% - from 50 to 100 mg at intervals of half a minute to achieve the desired result (sometimes injected singly intravenously calculating portion - 3-5 mg per 1 kg).

Ribavirin during therapy is usually combined with interferon. The exact duration of treatment one way or another drug can be prescribed only by the doctor.

Folk remedies

It is impossible to completely get rid of the disease, using only traditional remedies. They may be only a supplement to conventional treatment in a hospital. More often than not against tick-borne encephalitis, various herbal infusions, tinctures and decoctions. Cooking can be yourself. Folk medicines are taken before the first sign of recovery.

Infusion of lemon balm

Raw is better to use an already dried form.

Ingredients:

• dry Melissa - 20-25 g;
• water - ½ l.

Preparation:

1. Connect balm with water in a small saucepan.
2. Send the mixture on a plate and boil it under at low heat sealed lid 15-17 min.
3. Real medicine 30-35 minutes.

Drink infusion of 1/3 Art. before or after meals 2-3 times a day. By the same recipe you can prepare the infusion of periwinkle and mint. Allowed to drink them, alternating.

Infusion of motherwort

Such means improves the psychological state of the patient's disease. Passes anxiety, sleep improved, decrease pain.

Ingredients:

• chopped herbs Leonurus - 1 tbsp. l .;
• water - ½ l.

Preparation:

1. Pour raw water. Send on the stove on low heat.
2. Boil the mixture was 15-17 min.
3. Post a drug brew 40-45 minutes and cool.

Take ½ st. afternoon, evening and night before going to bed.

Infusion of the black poplar buds

This tool helps relieve many symptoms of the disease discussed - to eliminate nausea and vomiting, headache, chills.

Ingredients:

• black poplar buds - 1 tbsp. l .;
• cool boiling water - 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Send kidney bowl of a blender and mix thoroughly to kill them.
2. Pour the boiling water. Mix.
3. Post drug brew 2-2.5 hours.

Drinking means of 2-3 tbsp. l. before each meal (but no more than 5 times a day).

Tincture of Rhodiola rosea

For the preparation of high quality drugs is used 10% alcohol.

Ingredients:

• rhodiola rosea root - 20 g;
• alcohol (10%) - 1 tbsp.

Preparation:

1. Grind the root by any convenient method.
2. Fill it with alcohol.
3. Let stand 7-8 days in the dark at room temperature.

Take your medicine at 15-20 drops 3 times a day before meals. Said portion of the tincture to be diluted in 1 tbsp. l. warm boiled water. This means receives a long period - up to a full recovery. But it is only suitable for adult patients.

A decoction of the roots of cyanosis

Means acting on the body and soothing fortifying.

Ingredients:

• dry roots of cyanosis - 1 tbsp. l .;
• water - ½ l.

Preparation:

1. Pour the water the roots of cyanosis.
2. Boil the mixture on low heat for half an hour.
3. Let stand 1 hr.

Receiving means 1 st. l. before meals 3 times a day.

If the patient is not allergic to bee products, it can be every day until complete recovery laid under the tongue 20-30 g of royal jelly and dissolve until completely dissolved. A daily massaging the scalp strong infusion of burnet reduces inflammation and healing effect on the lining of the brain.

Surgical intervention

When the tick-borne encephalitis is only one type of operation - tracheostomy. This procedure is indicated for respiratory failure, when the air can not get into the trachea through the departments located above. It is necessary to normalize the airway. The process creates a hole directly into the trachea. As a result, breathing rapidly improving.

Most often, the operation is performed urgently at the first sign of lack of oxygen to the patient. The optimal method of anesthesia - general anesthesia, but it is possible to conduct the procedure and under local. Most often surgery is performed without any special preparation.

Special tube that is inserted into the opening in the trachea, may provide the patient with long term normal breathing. To avoid unpleasant consequences, it must be kept clean - handle with soap and water, regularly change the bandage to protect it from dirt before going out.

After removal of the tube and re-operation of the opening in the trachea liquidation patient should carefully take care of the wound and to closely monitor its healing. If there are signs of inflammation sure to consult your doctor immediately.

diet therapy

Tick-borne encephalitis, the symptoms of which are described in the article, is completely cured over a long period. To expedite this process and feel better, the patient must carefully monitor their diet. The patient must be assigned to a diet based on functional disorders of organs - liver, intestine, stomach.

All patients were encouraged to adhere to a diet consisting of vegetables, heat treated, non-fat meat and dairy products. You need to eat small meals 4-5 times a day. It is strictly forbidden fatty, smoked, too salty foods and dishes. It is desirable to give up baking and sweets. Do not overload the stomach, overeating.

Sample menu for the day:

• breakfast - 1 tbsp. yogurt, dried bread;
• lunch - baked apple;
• dinner - a portion of boiled broccoli with beef on the grill;
• snack - 1 cucumber;
• dinner - a mixture of stewed vegetables with roasted chicken breast.

Since patients of all ages vitamin balance is broken, they need to be administered to patients alone. For example, ascorbic acid and vitamin complexes with group B. The exact dosage depends on the patient's condition and forecasts of doctors for a cure.

Prognosis and complications

Severe forms of the disease often lead to serious negative consequences for human health. The same result may be an incorrect treatment.

There are the following options for complications:

• partial or complete loss of memory;
• disturbance of speech and hearing (until complete deafness);
• epilepsy;
• painful menstruation;
• mental instability;
• coma;
  
• brain edema;
• lifelong central paralysis.

Neurologists recommend that patients after treatment in the hospital to continue home treatment for at least 25-30 days.

Various symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis can help to recognize the disease and seek in honey. institution for help. The sooner the patient begins to receive qualified help, the faster will be able to cope with the disease and the less likely the dangerous health consequences.

Registration of the article: Lozinski Oleg

Video of the tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment: