British health authorities have confirmed the outbreak of tick-borne encephalitis virus in England. However, the risk it represents for humans remains very low.
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Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a virus carried by ticks, is likely to be found in England. A new risk assessment — published by the UK Health Security Agency – warning of the presence of the potentially deadly virus in several regions, such as the border areas of Hampshire and Dorset, as well as Norfolk and Suffolk. ” There have been 3 cases of probable or confirmed tick-borne encephalitis acquired in England since 2019, including one linked to the Yorkshire region in 2022. This case, in 2022, is the first confirmed case in England. »
TBEV is endemic in many parts of the world, including Europe. In France, residents of the Ain department were infected with the virus in 2020. It causes illnesses of varying severity such as asymptomatic infection, mild flu-like illness or even serious infection of the central nervous system ( such as meningitis or encephalitis). TBEV is fatal in 2-3% of cases.
Increased surveillance in the UK
The British agency reminds that a person must consult a general practitioner if they feel bad after a tick bite or if they have symptoms of meningitis (severe headaches, stiff neck, etc.) or neurological symptoms (crisis unusual epilepsy, confusion, weakness in arms and legs, change in vision, slurred speech).
While the risk that the virus poses to the general public remains very low, the British agency has recommended modifying tests in hospitals so that any new cases can be detected quickly. ” Research is ongoing to determine why the virus has been found more frequently in ticks in recent years. »
