Warning that Brits may need another vaccine for new tick-borne virus
Britons may need yet another vaccine as a new and dangerous tick-borne virus could spread as the country warms, an expert warned.
Three cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) have been confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency in Yorkshire, Norfolk and on the Hampshire and Dorset borders.
However, health authorities have warned that the disease could be present elsewhere in Britain.
Experts have suggested that a vaccine could be introduced for those who work in long grass and are therefore most at risk of a bite. Holidaymakers who go to badly affected countries can already get the shot.
Professor Ian Jones, a virology expert at the University of Reading, explained The mirror“I think the spread of the past three years will continue, so I don’t think it’s going away.”
Britons may need another vaccine, this time for a dangerous tick-borne virus new to the UK, as the country warms, an expert warned
“It’s going to become more prominent in the tick species across the country.”
Those most at risk are forest workers and rangers who spend a lot of time in long grasses where ticks often hide.
The UKHSA is investigating the spread and a surveillance program has been set up, asking the NHS to send samples of suspected cases for testing.
Public health officials have said that while the risk of TBEV is low, hikers should take precautions and seek medical attention if they become ill after being bitten.
“It’s there, it’s used, it’s safe, we don’t need to invent a new one,” he said of a vaccine.
However, he added that the low number of cases at this point would not support it being rolled out to the wider public.
Comparing it to a rabies vaccine for bat handlers, he said a jab would instead be offered to those most exposed to ticks.
He added that climate change could be to blame for the spread of the disease in the UK, as ticks are “more active in warmer weather”.
The combination of longer periods of warm weather and thus more people spending time outside may increase the risk of spread, he claimed.
“That’s from tick to tick and then also more likely to be incidental human infections,” he said.
But he added that he didn’t think the number of cases would rise “significantly” and that he doesn’t feel the disease poses “a particular threat to people.”
Three cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in patients have been confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Yorkshire, Norfolk and on the border of Hampshire and Dorset (stock image)
This is because contracting the disease only comes from other contact with a tick and is therefore limited to those who engage in outdoor activities.
TBEV usually causes mild flu-like symptoms, but in some cases it can also lead to serious infection in the central nervous system, such as meningitis or encephalitis.
The more serious cases are high fever with headache, neck stiffness, confusion or decreased consciousness.
Dr. Helen Callaby, from the UKSA, said: ‘While the risk to the general public is very low, it is important for people to take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites, such as covering their ankles and legs, applying insect repellent agent and checking clothing and your body for ticks, especially if you visit areas with long grass, such as forests, moors and parks.’