aivokuumeesta

Aivokuumeesta, also known as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), is a viral infection transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of infected ticks. The virus responsible is a flavivirus, and it affects the central nervous system. The incubation period for aivokuumeesta typically ranges from seven to fourteen days, though it can be as short as three days or as long as twenty-eight days.

The illness often presents in two phases. The initial phase may resemble a mild flu-like illness with symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. Some individuals may experience no symptoms at all. Following a symptom-free interval, a second phase can occur in about one-third of infected people. This phase is characterized by more severe neurological involvement, including meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself), or meningoencephalitis. Symptoms in this severe phase can include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, and paralysis. Long-term neurological sequelae, such as chronic fatigue, memory problems, and motor deficits, can persist in a significant proportion of those who experience the severe form of the disease.

Diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms and serological tests that detect antibodies against the TBE virus in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. There is no specific antiviral treatment for aivokuumeesta; treatment is supportive and focuses on managing symptoms and complications. Prevention is key and involves avoiding tick bites through protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors in endemic areas. Vaccination is available and highly effective in preventing aivokuumeesta, particularly for individuals living in or traveling to regions where the virus is prevalent.