Tick-borne encephalitis risk factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ilan Dock, B.S.
Overview
The primary risk factors associated with tick-borne encephalitis are exposure to endemic environments and the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. More severe infections have been reported in individuals over the age of 50 years.
Risk factors
- Traveling or residing within endemic regions will increase chances of infection.
- Tick activity is generally heightened during certain the spring and summer months.
- Within endemic regions, tick may choose an animal host, including a domesticated animal such as a dog or cat.
- Although rare, cases of blood transfusion and organ transplantation have been recorded as methods of transmission.
- All together, individuals who spend time outdoors and/or have pets that go outdoors in endemic regions are at risk for tick-borne disease. [1]
Tick bites
- Individuals with frequent exposure to dogs and who reside near wooded areas or areas with high grass may also be at increased risk of infection.
Unpasteurized dairy products consumption
- Individuals who ingest unpasteurized milk and dairy products from infected livestock are at risk of infection.
Age
- Individuals above the age of 50 years are at more of a risk of developing severe complications associated with tick-borne encephalitis infections.[2]
References
- ↑ General Information (2015). http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html Accessed on December 30, 2015
- ↑ Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus: A General Overview. http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/20866.pdf. Accessed February 4, 2016.