Abstract
Most cases of TBE in childhood will present similarly as in adults. However, a more diffuse clinical picture is seen especially in preschool children.
Laboratory evaluation may show elevated blood inflammatory indices, but cerebrospinal fluid analysis and anti-TBEV serology are needed for establishing the diagnosis.
There is no specific treatment for TBE; supportive care needs to be provided based on the individual clinical course.
The mortality in pediatric TBE is very low, but severe courses have been reported in a fraction of the children.
Long-term somatic residua exist, but are uncommon (2%) in childhood TBE. Yet, long-term symptoms and neurodevelopmental/cognitive deficits are seen in 10–40% of infected children.
Protective immunity can be elicited in children by TBE vaccines as of 1 year of age.
Publisher
Global Health Press Pte Ltd