Tick ​​virus outbreaks in many parts of England

Outbreaks of the tick-borne virus, which can cause meningitis-like symptoms, have been reported in many parts of the UK. According to a report published by Bloomberg, the UK Health Protection Agency has advised changes in tests in hospitals to prevent it from spreading.

In an official statement, the England Health Security Agency has identified three cases of tick-borne encephalitis acquired in England since 2019, including one linked to the Yorkshire region last year.

The 2022 case was the first to be confirmed in England, and the virus has also been detected in the Hampshire/Dorset and Norfolk regions, the report said.

A spokeswoman said the agency chose to release the information now because it’s the start of tick season, according to Bloomberg.

Tick ​​virus and its symptoms

TBEV is a tick-borne virus that is common in many countries worldwide. Symptoms of the virus can range from an asymptomatic infection such as meningitis to a severe infection of the central nervous system, such as a high fever with headache, stiff neck, confusion or loss of consciousness, the agency said.

Although the risk to the general public is low, the UKHSA has recommended changes to screening in hospitals to ensure patients are detected early.

England Health Security Agency recommendations

Meera Chand, deputy director of the UKHSA, said: “Tick-borne encephalitis virus is extremely rare in the UK. Ticks also carry a range of infections, including Lyme disease, so take steps to reduce the chances of being bitten in tick-prone areas when outdoors..”

Ticks feed on the blood of small, spider-like creatures, animals and people. They are found in dense forests or moorland

It advised the public to regularly check their clothes and bodies for ticks after being outdoors, especially in moorlands or woodlands. Data from the agency’s surveillance program show adults are more likely to bite their feet. While children are usually bitten on the head or neck area.

They speculate that infected ticks may have been brought to the UK by migratory birds due to climate change.

Ticks infected with the TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) virus have been found in a small number of areas in England, including Hampshire, Dorset and Norfolk, and in rare cases, nearby people may have been infected – but so far, no cases have been confirmed.

Health officials say people who feel sick after a tick bite should see a general practitioner.

Severe headache, stiff neck, unexplained convulsions, sudden confusion and weakness in arms and legs are more serious symptoms to watch out for.