A brain illness that is spread to humans by tick bites has been identified in the UK for the first time.
Public Health England (PHE) confirmed the presence of the tick-borne virus called encephalitis in Thetford Forest, Norfolk, and on the Hampshire-Dorset border.
PHE believes a “handful” of infected ticks were found in both locations, with only one highly probable case of tick-borne encephalitis so far.
The health body said the risk to the general public is “very low”. It is currently investigating how common the ticks with the virus might be.
Dr Nick Phin of PHE added: “These are early research findings and indicate the need for further work.”
What are the symptoms and treatment of encephalitis?
Most people who catch the encephalitis virus will have no or only mild flu-like symptoms. The illness can progress to a more serious second phase with meningitis and swelling of the brain in a quarter of cases.
Anyone can be affected, but the very young and very old are most at risk. A vaccine is available privately for tick-borne encephalitis.
According to the Encephalitis Society, a charity which supports people affected by all types of encephalitis, less than 2% of people die from the viral infection.
Where do the ticks come from?
The virus is already present in mainland Europe and parts of Asia, so it is thought infected ticks may have arrived in the UK through migratory birds.
It’s also thought the small parasitic arachnids are becoming more common in parts of the UK due to increasing deer numbers. As well as living on deer, the ticks can be found on other animals, such as cats, dogs and urban foxes.
Ticks can also live in undergrowth and latch onto humans when walking through undergrowth and long grass.
In addition to the encephalitis virus carried by approximately 10% of ticks, the parasites can also carry other diseases, including the more common Lyme disease.
What tick precautions can people take?
“We are reminding people to be ‘tick aware’ and take precautions, particularly when visiting or working in areas with long grass such as woodlands, moorlands and parks,” said Dr Phin.
:: Ticks are more common in wooded and moorland areas, especially in long grass. If you walk your dog, or go on walking holidays, try to avoid these areas and stick to paths.
:: Wear long sleeves and trousers, tucking the bottom of trousers into socks. By wearing light-coloured clothing you will be able to see if ticks are crawling on you.
:: When you come back from the outdoors, check yourself, children and pets thoroughly for ticks.
:: Wear insect repellent specifically designed to repel ticks.
:: Remove any ticks found on your body as quickly as possible.
:: Contact your GP or dial 111 if you begin to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms following a tick bite.