A tick-borne infection that can cause a range of potentially deadly illnesses is "likely" to be in the UK, health officials have said.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBE) is spread by tick bites, and is already common in many parts of Europe. While the risk of getting TBE is "very low" according to the NHS, it has the potential to cause serious viral infections in the nervous system such as meningitis or encephalitis, an uncommon condition in which the brain becomes swollen.
It comes after the first domestic case of the virus was confirmed in Yorkshire last year, with two other probable cases having been detected since 2019. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Defra published their joint risk assessment, based on findings of both cases in humans and the presence of the virus in ticks in several areas across the country.
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The UKHSA has recommended changes to testing in hospitals so that any further cases of the virus can be detected promptly. Ticks can carry other infections such as Lyme disease, so the health agency is reminding the public to check themselves for ticks after going outdoors and remove them quickly and correctly if found.
To remove a tick safely, the NHS advises using fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick as you remove it, and then clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water - you don't need to do anything else unless you start to feel unwell.
The health service says you should see your doctor if you have visited an area within the past month where ticks are found and you get either flu-like symptoms, such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches, aching muscles or feeling sick, or a circular red rash on your skin. Either of these could be an early sign of infection.
People who do lots of outdoor activities in forests and grassy areas, such as hiking and camping, are more at risk of bring bitten. To reduce the risk, the NHS suggests following these steps:
- Cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks
- Use insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best
- Stick to paths whenever possible
- Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot and brush off
The NHS urges people to call 999 or go to A&E immediately if they get a stiff neck and severe headache, experience pain when looking at bright lights, have a seizure, undergo a change in behaviour such as sudden confusion, or develop weakness or loss of movement in part of the body. You can find further details on the NHS website.
A vaccine is available for people at risk, but this is not available on the NHS and costs about £65 per infection. 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."
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