Two people in hospital with rare tick-bite infections

A PATIENT is being treated in hospital for a rare infection spread by tick bites – the first time it has been acquired in the UK.

Public Health England yesterday confirmed the case of babesiosis, which is caused by a parasite which infects red blood cells, in the Devon area.

Another person in Hampshire has been diagnosed with probable tickborne encephalitis (TBE).

TBE is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system and this is only the second case of TBE being acquired in the UK.

Officials said the risk of being infected remains low. Both patients are receiving hospital treatment and are expected to make a full recovery.

The risk of babesiosis or TBE for the general public is low, but a number of infections can develop following a tick bite, including Lyme disease, and there are things people can do to reduce the risk of being bitten by ticks.

PHE said it is important to take precautions such as keeping to footpaths and avoiding long grass, wearing appropriate clothing, considering the use of repellents containing Deet, and carrying out “tick checks” regularly.

Dr Katherine Russell, consultant in the emerging infections and zoonoses team at PHE, said: “Cases of babesiosis and TBE in England are rare and the risk of being infected remains very low.

“Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne infection.

“Ticks are most active between spring and autumn, so it is sensible to take some precaution.”