Redlich encephalitis is an acute infectious disease caused by the tick-borne encephalitis virus and characterized by primary damage to the central nervous system.
The causative agent of the disease is an RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family. The main carrier of the virus is ixodid ticks. A person becomes infected when bitten by an infected tick while sucking blood. Nutritional (when eating raw milk from goats or cows infected with the virus) and airborne dust transmission of the infection are also possible.
The incubation period lasts from 1 to 30 days. The disease begins acutely, with a rise in body temperature to 38-39°C, headache, nausea, and vomiting. General weakness, weakness, and muscle pain may be observed. Meningeal symptoms are characteristic - stiff neck, photophobia.
There are febrile, meningeal, focal and paralytic forms of the disease. The severity of the course varies from erased forms to severe encephalitis or encephalomyelitis. Persistent residual effects, including disability, are possible.
Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations, epidemiological history data and laboratory confirmation (neutralization test, ELISA).
Treatment is predominantly symptomatic. Antipyretics, dehydration therapy, and anticonvulsants are used. It is possible to prescribe immunoglobulin against tick-borne encephalitis.
Prevention includes individual protection against tick bites, as well as vaccination.