Tick-borne Encephalitis Identified in Ireland: Diagnosis and Outcome.

ABSTRACT

Presentation Tick borne encephalitis (TBE) is not endemic in Ireland and diagnostic tests are seldom requested. We describe the first notified case in Ireland. A 50-year-old female returned from Lithuania and presented with fever and new neurologic signs. Diagnosis TBE was diagnosed by detection of TBE virus specific antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Treatment The patient was managed with observation and supportive care consisting of intravenous fluids and analgesia. Discussion The case highlights the importance of awareness of TBE among physicians and travellers to guide appropriate testing and vaccination. TBE is being recognised in non-endemic countries posing an emerging risk to public health.