I was in a coma for 42 days after a tick bite on a holiday to Greece

A woman from Wales has described how a seemingly minor tick bite during a holiday in Greece led to a severe illness that left her in a coma for 42 days and caused lasting health issues. Victoria Stellas, 51, from Anglesey, contracted tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) after being bitten while staying at her brother-in-law’s home on the Greek island of Syros in 2019. The virus, which causes inflammation of the brain, resulted in her requiring intensive medical care, losing her jobs, and experiencing ongoing neurological problems. Stellas initially developed flu-like symptoms while on the island, followed by night-time seizures upon returning home. She sought medical attention but faced challenges in diagnosis. Eventually, she was taken to Liverpool’s Walton Centre via helicopter and placed in an induced coma for four weeks. Doctors later confirmed the diagnosis of TBE, a rare but potentially deadly condition transmitted through tick bites. According to the National Health Service (NHS), TBE is prevalent in parts of Europe, Russia, and Asia, though the risk of serious illness in the UK is considered low. The illness significantly altered Stellas' life. She has suffered from memory loss and seizures, requiring up to 18 daily medications to manage symptoms. Her ability to perform routine tasks has been affected, and she has struggled to return to work. Stellas previously held positions as a teaching assistant at a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities and worked in a pub. However, both jobs were lost due to her declining health. She explained that memory plays a crucial role in everyday functioning, making it difficult to recall names of students or colleagues. Stellas attributes her infection to a tick bite likely occurring at her brother-in-law’s property, where goats are present and could attract ticks. Despite her history of living in Greece and annual visits, she was unaware of the TBE vaccine, which is recommended for travelers to high-risk regions. Public Health Wales noted that no cases of TBE have been recorded in Wales following tick bites, although a small number of local cases have been documented in England and Scotland since 2019. In the aftermath of her ordeal, Stellas has become an advocate for greater awareness of TBE. She regularly shares her experience with university students at Bangor University, hoping to educate others about the risks associated with tick bites and the importance of vaccination. She now relies on family support, particularly her mother, who helps manage her care. Stellas sleeps with her mother nearby due to the frequency of her nocturnal seizures. Her mother, Liz Stellas, emphasized the hidden dangers of seemingly harmless incidents such as insect bites. She stressed that these encounters can lead to profound changes in a person's life, urging others to remain vigilant about potential health threats. Stellas continues to navigate the challenges of her condition, relying on medication and coping strategies to maintain independence. She remains hopeful about raising awareness and preventing similar experiences for others.