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

A deadly infection transmitted by tick bites has been detected for the first time in several parts of the country, 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 the Hampshire-Dorset border.

Further testing of ticks across the country has revealed that the disease – previously common in parts of Europe and Asia – is now widespread in the UK, with experts warning that TBEV is ‘unlikely to go away’.

A surveillance program has been set up, with the NHS being asked 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 a bite.

Three cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in patients have been confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Yorkshire, Norfolk and the Hampshire-Dorset border. [File image]

dr Helen Callaby of the UKSA said: “Although the risk to the general public is very low it is important that people take precautions to protect themselves from tick bites such as wearing B. cover their ankles and legs, apply insect repellent, and check clothing and body for ticks, especially when visiting areas of tall grass such as forests, bogs, and parks.’

The virus typically causes mild flu-like symptoms but can lead to serious central nervous system infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.

More serious cases can include a high fever with a headache, stiff neck, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

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

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

Further testing of ticks across the country has revealed that the disease – previously common in parts of Europe and Asia – is now widespread in the UK, with experts warning that TBEV is ‘unlikely to go away’. [File image]

Ticks live in the undergrowth and will cling to people as they walk through tall grass. [File image]

Scientists had suspected the virus had arrived in the UK in 2019 after a few cases, but the complexity of the 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 likely human case has been discovered in the Loch Earn area of ​​Scotland, according to research presented at the European Congress on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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

Ian Jones, 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 suggests it has now spread to other sites established and caused sporadic diseases in people.

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

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

“Now here it is unlikely that TBEV will go away, but the overall threat level is very low and there is no reason to expect human cases to be anything more than sporadic.

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