For the first time, a serious brain disease called tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been found in people in the UK who haven’t traveled abroad. This means the disease is now spreading locally.
TBE is a virus spread by tick bites and can cause brain swelling, seizures, and long-term brain damage. It was previously thought to only exist in mainland Europe, but it has now reached the UK.
Ticks that carry TBE are usually found in Europe, Russia, and parts of China and Japan. However, a recent study published in the journal Eurosurveillance confirmed the virus in UK patients. Ticks are already known to spread diseases like Lyme disease, but researchers are now warning about the growing threat of TBE in the UK.
The study looked at the first confirmed case of TBE caught locally in the UK and its impact on public health. Researchers reviewed cases from 2015 to 2023 and found 21 cases of TBE in the UK, with 12 of these diagnosed between 2022 and 2023.
One patient got TBE after being bitten by a tick in Scotland, and another in Yorkshire. Both patients first had flu-like symptoms, followed by brain-related issues like confusion and difficulty moving, but they recovered with medical care.
The study also found TBE in ticks collected from these areas, showing that the disease is now circulating locally. Since 2023, UK health officials have started testing all unexplained brain inflammation cases for TBE, even if the patient hasn’t traveled recently. This is a big change in public health policy.
While the overall risk of TBE in the UK is still low, researchers say doctors should consider it in cases of unexplained brain inflammation, even without travel history.
Symptoms of TBE
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Many people with TBE don’t show symptoms or have mild ones. Some may experience flu-like symptoms about a week after a tick bite, such as:
- High fever
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
These symptoms often go away on their own, but in rare cases, the infection can spread to the brain and cause more serious issues like:
- Stiff neck and severe headache
- Sensitivity to light
- Seizures
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Weakness or loss of movement in parts of the body
How to Reduce Your Risk of TBE
To lower your risk of tick bites:
- Check your clothes and skin for ticks regularly and remove them before they bite.
- Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot.
- Stick to clear paths and avoid brushing against plants where ticks might be.
- Use insect repellent like DEET on your skin.
- Wear long sleeves and trousers when outdoors.
Treating TBE
There’s no specific treatment for TBE. Mild cases are managed with rest, fluids, and pain relievers. However, if the infection spreads to the brain, it can be life-threatening, and hospital treatment is needed.
What is Encephalitis?
Encephalitis is a condition where the brain becomes inflamed, often due to a viral infection. Common viruses that can cause it include:
- Herpes simplex (cold sores)
- Chickenpox and shingles virus
- Measles, mumps, and rubella viruses
- Viruses spread by animals, like TBE, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies
In rare cases, encephalitis can also be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. While you can catch these infections from others, encephalitis itself is not contagious.
