Deadly virus from tick bites that causes flu-like symptoms found in three patients in the UK

A deadly infection spread by tick bites has been found in several parts of the country for the first time, health officials have warned.

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 Hampshire and Dorset borders.

Further tests for ticks across the country have found that the disease – hitherto prevalent in parts of Europe and Asia – is now widespread in the UK, with experts warning that TBEV is ‘unlikely to disappear’.

A surveillance program has been set up, asking the NHS to send samples of suspected cases to the UKHSA.

Public health officials say the risk is low but have urged hikers to take precautions and seek medical attention if they become ill after being bitten.

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.’

The virus usually causes mild flu-like symptoms, but can lead to a serious infection in the central nervous system, such as meningitis or encephalitis.

More serious cases include high fever with headache, neck stiffness, confusion or decreased consciousness.

Ticks are becoming increasingly common in parts of the UK, mainly due to increasing numbers of deer. They live in undergrowth and cling to humans as they walk through long grass.

Infected ticks are believed to have arrived in the UK via migratory birds.

Further tests for ticks across the country have found that the disease – hitherto prevalent in parts of Europe and Asia – is now widespread in the UK, with experts warning that TBEV is ‘unlikely to disappear’. [File image]

Ticks live in undergrowth and cling to humans as they walk through long grass. [File image]

Scientists suspected the virus arrived in the UK in 2019, after a number of cases, but the complexity of testing meant these could not be confirmed.

Now the first confirmed domestically acquired case of TBEV has been identified in a man bitten by ticks in Yorkshire.

Another probable human case has been discovered in the Loch Earn area of ​​Scotland, according to research being presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Vaccines can provide protection, but only for a limited time and there is no cure.

Ian Jones, a professor of virology at the University of Reading, said: ‘Tick Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) was reported in ticks in Thetford Forest in 2019 and today’s update would suggest it has now spread to other locations established and caused sporadic illnesses. in people.

Genetically, the British viruses have been close to European or Scandinavian strains, so they may have originally arrived from the nearby continent in ticks attached to birds.

“The virus occurs naturally in some ticks and is transmitted to a person if they are bitten (only if the tick is infected), usually on bare arms and legs as they walk through undergrowth. Wearing appropriate clothing essentially eliminates the risk.

“Here, TBEV is unlikely to disappear, but the overall threat level is very low and there is no reason to believe that human cases will be more than sporadic.

A vaccine is being used in high incidence areas in Europe and could be considered here for individuals with outdoor activities in areas where the virus is found. For the general public, however, the risk is minimal.’