Deadly brain disease spread by tick bites arrives in UK

A DEADLY brain disease spread to humans by tick bites has been found in Britain for the first time, Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed.

PHE said tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBE) had been found in a “handful” of infected parasites in Thetford Forest, Norfolk, and on the Hampshiredorset border.

The areas were checked after a European tourist developed TBE symptoms after being bitten by a tick in the New Forest.

Although public health officials say the risk is low, they have urged walkers to take precautions when in wooded or grassy areas.

Dr Nick Phin, of PHE, said: “Tickborne encephalitis virus, which is endemic in many European countries, has been found for the first time in a very small number of ticks in two locations in England. These are early research findings and indicate the need for further work, however, the risk to the public is currently...very low.

“Ticks carry a number of infections including Lyme disease, so we are reminding people to be ‘tick aware’ and take tick precautions.”

Ticks are becoming more common in Britain because of a rising deer population, which stands at around 1.5million, its highest level for 1,000 years.

At the turn of the century, there were around 250 reported cases of Lyme disease in the UK each year, but the NHS says the figure is now closer to 3,000 and some charities claim the actual number could be 45,000.

Ticks can also live in undergrowth and latch on to humans or their pets, and there are fears that disease-ridden parasites are being imported to Britain when pet owners bring their animals back from holiday.

Experts believe the disease may have been brought in by migratory birds.

Most people who catch the virus will have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, but TBE can affect the brain and nervous system and can be fatal.