Tick-borne meningitis: Has anyone dealt with this?

http://www.nytimes.com/news/health/tick-borne-illness-warning-article-161361

Greetings...
Tragically, our dear friend mentioned in the article above fell victim to an infected tick bite. It started off looking like nothing more than a common flu, but then came the paralysis, followed by a coma—and he has been stuck in that state for 30 days now. The doctors claim they have exhausted every medical option available; at this point, we are left clinging to nothing but hope and prayer that our dear friend might actually wake up. Does anyone here possess any actual knowledge or firsthand experience regarding tick-borne meningoencephalitis? Please, reach out. Is there even a realistic chance of him regaining consciousness or making a full recovery?
Thank you...

Is it possible that absolutely nobody here knows anything about tick-borne meningitis?

So where did this happen to your friend—like, what part of the country was he hiking in when those ticks got him? Man, I feel so bad for him. Sending all the good vibes his way; I really hope he pulls through and everything turns out fine! 👍
On a side note, about ten years ago, I got hit pretty hard by a tick myself. Luckily, it wasn't meningitis, just some other nasty infection. After that ordeal, I decided right then and there that I wasn't leaving anything to chance again—so I went for the vaccine. 😉
Honestly, I’d recommend that shot to anyone who spends time outdoors. It’s seriously not a big deal or even uncomfortable. The injection is basically like getting a flu shot; you barely feel it, and they just do it in your arm. The only catch is the schedule: you have to get it "now," then again in a month, then at three months, then at nine months, and after that, you just do a booster once every three years. Since then, I've made sure to stay on top of that three-year booster, so I guess I'm feeling somewhat protected for now... 🤷
That said, I am a little worried because it seems like these diseases are getting way more intense lately. I can't help but wonder if the virus has mutated, and if the vaccine actually still holds up against whatever is out there now, or how much it even helps. 🤷

So, we're looking at some unknown virus here. Unfortunately, viruses have this annoying habit of mutating and all that. As for the vaccine... I don't know, I'm not sure if you can count on it just yet. Basically, until we know more about what we're dealing with, maybe just stay out of the woods unless you really have to. If you do go, wear long sleeves and pants. That's pretty much the only way to protect yourself for now. 😢

rapidheron2 said:Where on earth did your friend get hit by those ticks? Which part of the country was he even in? I am truly sorry to hear about him; my thoughts are with him, and I really hope he pulls through and everything turns out fine! 👍

But honestly, I’m starting to worry because it seems like this disease is getting much more severe. Is the virus mutating? Does the vaccine even protect us anymore, and if so, how much?! 🤷

Thanks so much for reaching out and for the kind words. The infected tick was picked up in the USA. This is actually the first case like this recorded in this area. And yes, the virus has mutated—one doctor even referred to it as a "Russian virus," so we're scouring international websites for more info. Apparently, the vaccine helps prevent meningitis, but it doesn't work against Lyme disease. Sadly, our friend is still in a coma.

Nicole Jones12 said:We are dealing with an unknown virus here. Unfortunately, viruses have this nasty habit of mutating 😢

Doctors are mentioning a mutated virus. Is there any actual information available regarding this 'Russian virus'?