A new invasion of vampire ticks is causing panic in the UK, as the pests have been linked to a horror film-style brain disease for the first time. The ticks have introduced the deadly Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) to Britain, a disease that can cause brain swelling, paralysis, and severe damage to the central nervous system.
Previously, TBEV had only affected Brits who were infected abroad. However, scientists have now identified the first domestically acquired case in a 28-year-old Scottish man who suffered multiple tick bites while hiking in the Highlands. Two months later, he is still struggling with lingering symptoms.
