Latvia reports rise in tick-borne encephalitis meningitis cases

Latvia has recorded an increase in patients with meningitis caused by tick-borne encephalitis this year, LSM reports. By mid-September, the Latvian Infectology Center of Riga East Clinical University Hospital had treated as many such patients as during all of last year.

Tick-borne encephalitis was diagnosed in 41 patients at the center last year. This year, the figure has already reached 47.

Infectious disease specialists link the increase to the active berry and mushroom-picking season. Baiba Rozentale, chief physician of the Latvian Infectology Center, said ticks are particularly active in autumn, before entering their winter dormancy.

“Before winter, ticks need to find a host. It is the season for mushroom and berry picking, and ticks attach themselves in large numbers,” Rozentale said.

Most people remove attached ticks correctly and do not become ill, she said. However, the number of patients shows that some ticks are infected.

Across Riga East Clinical University Hospital, 56 patients have been treated for meningitis caused by tick-borne encephalitis this year, including 47 at the Infectology Center. The hospital treated 41 patients during the whole of last year.

Rozentale urged people going mushroom picking to use tick repellents and check themselves after returning from the forest.

Anyone who develops a fever accompanied by severe headache and vomiting after a tick bite should seek medical attention immediately.