Chapter 6: TBE in children

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.