Although the most prevalent tick-borne disease in the UK is Lyme disease, ticks carrying Tick-borne Encephalitis have now been identified in the UK.
What is tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)?
TBEV is a viral infection, unlike Lyme disease which is a bacterial infection, that is spread by infected ticks. Although it is prevalent in many parts of the world, including several European countries, in the last few years, ticks carrying TBEV have been found in a few areas in England. A very small number of human TBE cases have been diagnosed that are thought to have been acquired in the UK.
What are the symptoms?
TBEV causes a range of presentations. It can be completely asymptomatic infection or cause a mild flu-like illness but in some cases can cause severe infection in the central nervous system such as meningitis or encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Symptoms of encephalitis and meningitis can include a high fever with a headache, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures or fits, reduced or loss of consciousness.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or anyone you know experiences:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- pain looking at bright lights
- 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 drooping, change in vision or slurred speech
Further information:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tick-borne-encephalitis/
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tick-borne-encephalitis-epidemiology-diagnosis-and-prevention