Tick virus detected in the United Kingdom 

In the last few years, several viruses have come and gone such as the coronavirus, Zika virus, or the influenza virus. While some continue to stay back, some new ones keep emerging. One such recurring virus is the tick virus, better known as tick-borne encephalitis TBE). It refers to a contagious viral disease that affects the central nervous system and can lead to severe meningitis-like symptoms.  

Recently, it has been detected in several regions across United Kingdom (UK), particularly England, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Following the detection, surveillance to track the virus has been increased in both England and Scotland. In fact, as per the UKHSA’s advice, hospitals have been asked to frequently test for the virus to contain its further spread. What is alarming is that people exhibiting no symptoms have also been diagnosed with TBE as presence of the virus has been found in their blood samples. This has happened in the Yorkshire area of UK, where one such case has been confirmed. It was a 50-year-old man who complained of fatigue, muscle pain and fever, five days after being bitten by a tick, while he was mountain biking. Although he recovered for a while, soon his fever returned in a week or so with headache and loss of coordination. An MRI scan detected the presence of TBE attacking his brain function. 

The tick-borne encephalitis was last found in the UK in 2022 when one case was reported. Prior to that, in 2019 there were three other cases. These were mainly detected near the Hampshire, Dorset and Norfolk regions of the UK. The latest news has been made viral because it is the beginning of tick season, and everyone needs to be on alert. Apart from encephalitis, ticks are also the carrier for other infections such as the Lyme disease. As a result, UKHSA has pleaded Britishers to be extra careful while stepping outdoors and prevent themselves from getting bitten by the insects, especially in the wild where ticks live.  

For the unaware, tick-borne encephalitis virus is found in many countries worldwide. It is a positive strand RNA virus. Its symptoms include high fever, headaches, stiffness of the neck, reduced consciousness, and disorientation. In serious cases, it can also cause seizures and paralysis. However, what makes it dangerous is that, in most cases, it remains asymptomatic.  

For now, the UK health agency has stated that the risk of the virus is low and contained, however, early detection could still be helpful. They have also advised the citizens and tourists to steer clear of the wild and check their clothes and body regularly for the insect, after returning from outdoors. One should also wear knee-high boots and use insect repellents to save themselves from tick bites.  

Interestingly, TBE was first detected in Scandinavian woods in the 1700s but was identified much later in the 1930s by Russian virologists following an outbreak in Japan.