Neurologists vaccinated against tbe by ticks

Neulogen also advise vacationers to vaccination to protect against TBE by tick bites

03/19/2014

Early-summer meningoencephalitis (TBE) is one of the most dreaded infectious diseases in temperate latitudes. In Germany, southern Germany in particular is affected. For this reason, neurologists recommend vaccination against TBE to all persons who might come into contact with ticks in the risk areas. This also includes tourists who travel to Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland or to southern and northern Hesse. In addition, experts also warn against FSME in Austria, Switzerland, in large parts of Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.

TBE bites through tick bites can be fatal
Those who have been bitten by a tick should closely monitor whether flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting occur in subsequent hours and days. If this is the case, the person concerned should consult a doctor immediately. Some patients may experience symptoms again one to three weeks after symptoms resolve. Mostly the infection is mild. In some cases, the sufferer develops paralysis and dysregulation when the spinal cord and brain are involved, and may fall into a coma. Very rarely, the patient dies from the effects of brain or meningitis. The therapy consists solely in alleviating the symptoms. The only effective protection against TBE is vaccination. This protects against infection-causing viruses.

The TBE vaccine consists of two vaccine doses. However, full vaccine protection is not effective until two weeks after the second vaccination. Holidaymakers and residents of risk areas should therefore be vaccinated in good time. The vaccine then offers protection for a maximum of twelve months, informs Frank Bergmann of the Professional Association of German Nervous Physicians (BVDN) in Krefeld opposite the news agency „dpa“. Between first and second injection would be one to three months depending on the vaccine. After nine to twelve months, a third dose of vaccine can be given. This will then provide protection for at least three years against FSME, informs the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The Standing Committee for Vaccination (STIKO) also advises all persons who could come into contact with ticks in the risk areas. Occupational groups such as farmers or forestry workers are particularly at risk.

The number of TBE cases reported varies from year to year. The mild winter could, however, have contributed to the spread of ticks and thus lead to an increase in the number of illnesses. In 2013, around 400 cases were registered, compared with only 195 patients with FSME in the previous year. In 2011, 424 people were reported and before that usually 200 to 300 TBE cases were registered. In 2006, the infection numbers peaked. At that time, 546 people fell ill with the infection.

There is no vaccine available for Lyme disease
In addition to TBE, Lyme disease can also be transmitted by ticks. This is usually shown by a reddening of the skin around and around the bite site. In the further course, sometimes with significant delay, symptoms such as general fatigue as well as muscle and joint pain can occur. With the progression of the disease, especially the nerve tracts and joints are attacked. This can lead to speech and vision disorders, impaired growth and other symptoms that are sometimes severe.

So far no Borreliosis vaccine is available. To prevent the disease Bergmann advises to thoroughly scan the entire body after spending time outdoors. If one or even more ticks are detected, they must be removed carefully, preferably with a pair of ticks. The eight-legged parasites preferably hide in the popliteal fossa, in the pubic area, in the armpits and at the hairline. The neurologist recommends going to the doctor after a tick bite. Thus, an antibiotic is very effective against Lyme disease, if it is taken in time. (Ag)