Pediatr. praxi. 2009;10(2):70-71

Tick-borne encephalitis in childhood

MUDr. Věra Štruncová, doc. MUDr. Dalibor Sedláček CSc

Infekční klinika FN a LF UK, Plzeň

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is the most frequent infection of central nervous system in the Czech Republic due to low level vaccinated

people (16%). The occurrence of TBE is limited on endemic areas. It has a seasonal feature (from April to November). Annually in the

Czech republic there are reported 400–1 039 cases with the incidence 5,9/105 inhabitants. It is the disease of „free time“, occupational

cases are rare. The disease, is affecting especially adults, men suffer from TBE more frequently (63 %). The children and teenagers

participate in till 16 %. Diagnosis is based on detection of the antibodies against virus in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and

confirmation of aseptic inflammation in CSF. Specific virostatic treatment does not exist so far. TBE is disease with prolongation of

recovery and possibility of permanent sequelae. Mortality is 0,5–1,4 %. The availability of an effective vaccine helps us to prevent

this severe illness.

Keywords: tick-borne encephalitis, incidence, clinical course, treatment, prevention, childhood.

Published: April 1, 2009  Show citation