Deadly virus from tick bites causing flu-like symptoms found in three UK patients

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 on the Hampshire and Dorset borders.

Further tests for ticks across the country have revealed that the disease – previously found in parts of Europe and Asia – is now rampant in the UK, with experts warning that TBEV is ‘unlikely to disappear’.

A surveillance program has been introduced asking the NHS to send samples from suspected cases to the UKHSA.

Public health officials say the risk is low, but urged hikers to take precautions and see a doctor if they become ill after being bitten.

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

The virus usually causes mild flu-like symptoms, but can lead to a serious central nervous system infection such as meningitis or encephalitis.

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

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

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

Further tests for ticks across the country have revealed that the disease – previously found in parts of Europe and Asia – is now rampant in the UK, with experts warning that TBEV is ‘unlikely to disappear’. [File image]

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

Scientists suspected the virus arrived in the UK in 2019 after a flurry of cases, but the complexity of testing meant this could not be confirmed.

Now the first confirmed locally acquired case of TBEV has been identified in a tick-bitten man in Yorkshire.

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Another probable human case was 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 provide 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 that it has now spread to other established locations with widespread and sporadic have caused diseases in humans.

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 bitten (only if the tick is infected), usually on bare arms and legs when walking through lameness. Wearing appropriate clothing essentially eliminates the risk.

“This is where TBEV is unlikely to disappear, but the overall threat level is very low and there is no reason to think that human cases will be anything more than sporadic.

A vaccine is used in high prevalence areas in Europe and may be considered here for people with outdoor activities in areas where the virus is found. However, for the general public the risk is minimal.’