Typical signs after a tick bite | Signs of meningitis

Typical signs after a tick bite

A frequent transmission route of bacteria that can cause meningitis is a bite from a tick. The likelihood of an infection increases with the length of time the tick has been in the skin, even if only 10% of those infected develop the full picture of the disease. Therefore a tick should always be removed as soon as possible.

To be precise, meningitis following a tick bite is a special form of meningitis, early summer meningoencephalitis (TBE). There are also typical signs of this. First, fever occurs after the tick bite, which is accompanied by a general feeling of illness.

After about 1 week of fever, a fever-free interval follows, which may be followed by a second fever increase. In this case, TBE is then present, which is a serious complication after a tick bite. If the second increase in fever does not occur, the infection is over.

Depending on the extent of the infection of the meninges and spinal cord, headaches, photophobia, meningismus and nausea may occur, similar to the classic meningitis. Other typical signs can be pain and tingling in arms and legs as well as paralysis. Disturbances of consciousness are signs that the brain is also affected.

The therapy is symptomatic, but this form of meningitis usually heals spontaneously, especially in children. It is important to check the skin for a tick bite after every walk in the forest.