TBEV tick-borne encephalitis virus detected in several parts of England, UKHSA warns

A fatal transmission by ticks disease which can cause meningitis is ‘likely’ to be present in the UK, health officials have warned after cases were spotted across the UK.

A confirmed case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) was discovered in Yorkshire last year, and a probable case was also detected in the Loch Earn region of Scotland in 2022.

A joint committee of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Defra said the virus has also been observed in the Hampshire/Dorset and Norfolk region, but may also be present in other parts of England as the species of tick carrying the virus is widespread in the UK.

Encephalitis is a rare but life-threatening disease in which the brain becomes swollen.

It can cause a range of illnesses from a completely asymptomatic infection, to a mild flu-like illness, to a serious central nervous system infection such as meningitis or encephalitis.

It is already common in many parts of Europe and is an important cause of viral infections of the central nervous system, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

However, the joint committee said the risk to the public is very low.

Ian Jones, professor of virology at the University of Reading, said wearing appropriate clothing “essentially removes the risk”.

“Tick-borne encephalitis virus was reported in ticks in Thetford Forest in 2019 and today’s update suggests it has now established itself at other sites and has caused sporadic disease in humans,” he said.

“Genetically, the UK viruses have been close to European or Scandinavian strains, so they may have originated in the nearby continent in ticks attached to birds.

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

Professor Jones added: ‘Now here TBEV is unlikely to go away, but the overall threat level is very low and there is no reason to assume that cases in people will be more likely than sporadic.

“A vaccine is being used in high incidence areas in Europe and could be considered here for people carrying out outdoor activities in areas where the virus is present.

“For the general public, however, the risk is minimal.”

Dr Meera Chand, deputy director of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Our surveillance suggests that tick-borne encephalitis virus is very rare in the UK and the risk to the general population is very low. .”

When to see a GP

Members of the public who do not feel well after a tick bite have been advised to see a GP and seek emergency medical attention if they have:

Meningitis Symptoms

Sudden neurological symptoms