With the first signs of spring, our vigilance increases and we are rightly reminded of the existence of ticks. Although awareness of the consequences of a single bite is growing year on year, few people know that ticks not only carry the dangerous Lyme disease, but also the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBE). Already every sixth tick can be infected with TBE[1]and thus pose a serious threat to our brain. This virus infects the structures of the central nervous system and can cause inflammation of the meninges and brain, resulting in disability and even death[2]. There is no cure for PMS, so if you want to enjoy the outdoors without fear, the only effective method of protection is vaccination.
NGS a major cause of neuroinfection. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease that is the most frequently reported cause of viral neuroinfections in Poland.[3] In Europe, more than 10,000 cases and hospitalizations (several hundred severe cases) are registered annually for the central European type of MSF[4]. The virus enters the human body soon after the bite, as it is found in the salivary glands of ticks[5],[6]. Therefore, even if we manage to quickly remove this arachnid from the skin, the sting itself can lead to infection.
When does the MCS become dangerous to our brain. The HZM virus is an insidious disease and there are several scenarios for its course. From harmless flu-like symptoms to central nervous system lesions[7]. Complications as a result of CVD infection occur in up to one in two 58% patients who develop the neurological phase of the disease[8]. Psychiatric complications (including depression, concentration and memory problems) may occur[9]and, in children, PMS can cause long-term consequences such as learning and concentration problems or behavioural disorders.[10] - The disease can run a mild course, but also with central nervous system involvement. Its severe course is particularly dangerous for children, as their brain is in the process of developing, maturing. Even its slight damage can have enormous consequences for children in the future. - explains Prof. Dr. med. Joanna Zajkowska from the Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfection, University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok.
The most serious complications of CFS include paralysis and paresis. These complications can even result in disability.[11] In such cases, rehabilitation takes a long time and complications are sometimes irreversible. The virus can therefore have a long-term negative impact on physical fitness and ability to work.[12] - Motor damage caused by complications can be compensated to some extent by rehabilitation. With a few cycles of rehabilitation, it is possible to improve the mobility of the limbs but not to regain full function. Damage such as muscle atrophy cannot be 'repaired' at all. The muscle mass does not rebuild, making the limbs weaker. This cannot be rehabilitated - says Dr. Zajkowska.
Who is at risk? Due to the widespread prevalence of ticks, anyone who spends time outdoors can contract the disease. The entire area of Poland should be treated as being at risk of contracting the TBD, while the level of endemicity varies.[13] It is also important not only where, but how we spend our time. This risk increases if we are active people, like to walk in the woods, are joggers or have young children who love to explore nature. If, in addition, our general health and immunity are impaired the chances of contracting the virus are even higher. - AS is also particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with impaired immunity (treated for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases). They do not have the body's defences in place to stop the virus replicating. The course of the disease can then be dramatic. Although it should be remembered that in young, healthy people, the disease can also progress with central nervous system involvement, with paralysis, and it is difficult for us doctors to really say why this happens. explains Dr Zajkowska.
How do you protect yourself from the OCT? There is no drug that can be used to halt the progression of the disease caused by the MCV virus. If we contract the disease, only symptomatic treatment is used, followed by treatment of complications. If we do not take preventive measures, the disease is either fought by our immune system or we may find ourselves among the less fortunate. The only effective and researched protection against TBE is vaccination. The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is one of the best studied vaccines in the world[14], [15], [16]and its effectiveness in people vaccinated as recommended is 99%[17].
According to the 2022 Preventive Vaccination Programme, vaccination against SHE is recommended for people who are particularly active outdoors, i.e. runners, walkers, mushroom pickers, dog owners, hunters, families with children or hikers and campers[18]. Vaccination is recommended for children as young as one year of age.[19] - The youngest children tend to be under greater adult care and control and fewer cases of CAD are recorded among them. Most children become infected between the ages of 5 and 6. If you often go out to the park with your child, spending time in nature, it is a good idea to vaccinate your child against SHB. There is no risk associated with vaccination, and the consequences of contracting the disease cannot be predicted, particularly neurological ones. warns Professor Zajkowska. Therefore, before we go to the Mazurian Lake District, send our child to a summer camp or go jogging, let's consider whether we are in a tick environment and whether we want to risk our own and our loved ones' safety.
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The campaign "Don't play with the tick. Win against tick-borne encephalitis".
Despite educational activities, there is still little public awareness of the consequences of contracting TBE and the possibilities of prevention. For this reason, the educational campaign ""Don't play with ticks. Win against tick-borne encephalitis' to draw attention to this health problem.
The aim of the campaign is to provide reliable and credible information on ticks and the tick-borne diseases they transmit, in particular the STI virus, as well as prevention of infection in the form of vaccination.
The project includes educational meetings, research projects and outreach events in collaboration with the media and partners. An educational website is also available www.kleszcze.info.pl, containing a compendium of knowledge about ticks and their dangers, advice on how to deal with them and useful information for people leading active lifestyles in green areas or going to areas at risk of contact with ticks.
The campaign is organised by the Institute for Patients' Rights and Health Education and Pfizer; campaign partners are the To Live Foundation and Medicover.
[1] Ticks transmit a disease of the central nervous system, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Between 3-15 per cent of the tick population in Poland is infected with the virus causing it. Accessed 01.03.2021 http:// https://www.medonet.pl/zdrowie/zdrowie-dla-kazdego,kleszcz-ukaszenie-borelioza-czy-latwo-zachorowac-,artykul,1722040.html
[2] Zajkowska J. Tick-borne encephalitis - risk and consequences of the disease in children. Pediatr. Dipl. 2014; 18(suppl. 2):1-7.
[3].https://www.pzh.gov.pl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/KleszczoweZapalenieMozgu-raport-PZH_2021.pdf accessed 15.02.2022 (p.5, p.8, S.25)
[4] https://www.pzh.gov.pl/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/KleszczoweZapalenieMozgu-raport-PZH_2021.pdf accessed 15.02.2022 (p.5, p.8, S.25)
[5] Zajkowska J. Tick bite and the risk of tick-borne encephalitis. How to protect yourself from being bitten and contracting the disease. Infection Forum 2015; 6(2):DOI:dx.doi.org/10.15374/FZ2015020.
[6] Zajkowska J, Czupryna P. Tick-borne encephalitis - epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Infection Forum 2013; 4(1):21-27.
[7] Zajkowska J. Tick-borne encephalitis - risk and consequences of the disease in children. Pediatr. Dipl. 2014; 18(suppl. 2):1-7.
[8] Kuchar, E., Zajkowska, J., Flisiak, R., Mastalerz-Migas, A., Rosińska, M., Szenborn, L., Wdówik, P., & Walusiak-Skorupa, J. (2021). Epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis in Poland and selected European countries - a position statement of the Polish group of experts [Epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis in Poland and selected European countries - a position statement of the Polish group of experts]. Occupational medicine, 72(2), 193-210. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.01063
[9] Kuchar, E., Zajkowska, J., Flisiak, R., Mastalerz-Migas, A., Rosińska, M., Szenborn, L., Wdówik, P., & Walusiak-Skorupa, J. (2021). Epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis in Poland and selected European countries - a position statement of the Polish group of experts [Epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis in Poland and selected European countries - a position statement of the Polish group of experts]. Occupational medicine, 72(2), 193-210. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.01063
[10] Steffen R. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in children in Europe: Epidemiology, clinical outcome and comparison of vaccination recommendations. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2019 Jan;10(1):100-110. doi: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.08.003. epub 2018 Sep 1. PMID: 30241699.
[11] Zajkowska J. Tick-borne encephalitis - risk and consequences of the disease in children. Pediatr. Dipl. 2014; 18(suppl. 2):1-7.
[12] Tyminska J, Tyminski R. Medical, pharmacoeconomic and legal aspects of tick-borne encephalitis vaccination in questions and answers. Therapy 2017; 6(353):79-82.
[13] Kuchar, E., Zajkowska, J., Flisiak, R., Mastalerz-Migas, A., Rosińska, M., Szenborn, L., Wdówik, P., & Walusiak-Skorupa, J. (2021). Epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis in Poland and selected European countries - a position statement of the Polish group of experts [Epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis in Poland and selected European countries - a position statement of the Polish group of experts]. Occupational medicine, 72(2), 193-210. https://doi.org/10.13075/mp.5893.01063
[14] https://szczepienia.pzh.gov.pl/szczepionki/kleszczowe-zapalenie-mozgu/ and https://szczepienia.pzh.gov.pl/szczepionki/kleszczowe-zapalenie-mozgu/?strona=3#jak-powazne-moga-byc-objawy-kleszczowego-zapalenia-mozgu access 2.2022
[15] Heinz, F. X., Holzmann, H., Essl, A., & Kundi, M. (2007). Field effectiveness of vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis. Vaccine, 25(43), 7559-7567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.08.024
[16] Erber, W., Khan, F., Zavadska, D., Freimane, Z., Dobler, G., Böhmer, M. M., Jodar, L., & Schmitt, H. J. (2022). Effectiveness of TBE vaccination in southern Germany and Latvia. Vaccine, 40(5), 819-825. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.12.028
[17] https://www.kleszcze.info.pl/znajdz-punkt-szczepien/o-szczepionce (accessed 04.2021).
[18] Immunization Programme 2022 https://www.gov.pl/web/gis/program-szczepien-ochronnych-na-rok-2022
[19] OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MINISTER OF HEALTH. COMMUNICATION OF THE MAIN SANITARY INSPECTOR of 28 October 2021 on the Immunization Programme for 2022. https://www.gov.pl/attachment/d051a2fe-d74b-478c-b155-05f3671ea1d5 Accessed 23.02.2022