Brits have been warned to be alert after a new tick borne virus, which can cause meningitis, was confirmed to have been found in a number of places across England.
Tick borne encephalitis (TBEV) has most recently been detected across England, including in the country's first ever confirmed case.
Three areas of England have been found to have TBEV present, but last year a case was confirmed in Yorkshire.
Alongside this, the virus has also been detected in Hampshire/Dorset, and Norfolk - but Brits are warned it may be present elsewhere across the UK because the tick species that carries it, is widespread.
The new risk assessment found three probable or confirmed cases since 2019 and TBEV can cause a range of illnesses from mild flu to meningitis or encephalitis.
Symptoms are often similar to those of meningitis including a high fever, headache, stiff neck and reduced consciousness.
The UK Health Security Agency and Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs are investigating the recent uptick in the virus in recent years.
List of meningitis symptoms:
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Pain looking at bright lights
- Develops neurological symptoms:
- Has a fit (seizure), if not known to be epileptic
- Sudden confusion or change in behaviour
- Weakness or loss of movement in arms and legs
- Facial dropping, change in vision or slurred speech
Alongside TBEV, Brits are also at risk of other infections that the parasitic arachnid carry - like Lyme’s disease.
Whilst this marks the first time that TBEV is present in England, it has long been known to be prevalent in other parts of the world, including in Europe.
The risk to the public remains very low from the ticks, but Brits should still check themselves for ticks after they have been outside and remove them promptly if they are found.
The UKHSA has also recommended changes to testing in hospitals to allow improved surveillance.
This includes asymptomatic surveillance in people in Yorkshire - where the case was found.
If you are unwell after a tick bite, seek GP advice and seek urgent medical attention if you, or someone you know, have symptoms of meningitis.
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Our surveillance suggests that tick borne encephalitis virus is very uncommon in the UK and that the risk to the general population is very low.
“Ticks also carry various other infections, including Lyme disease, so take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten when outdoors in areas where ticks thrive, such as moorlands and woodlands, and remember to check for ticks and remove them promptly.”
