Brain illness carried by ticks discovered in England: PHE Reports

A disease that can spread to humans through tick bites and can result in the damage of the brain has been identified in the UK for the first time. Public Health England (PHE) confirmed the cases of tick-borne encephalitis virus in ticks from two parts of England in Thetford Forest, Norfolk, and on the Hampshire-Dorset border.PHE said that there is a very low-risk factor for people. The department was investigating how common the infected ticks may be.PHE said that plenty of infected ticks had been identified in both the locations. Ticks are small spider-like creatures that are becoming common in parts of the UK due to increasing numbers of deer. They can also be found on cats, dogs, and urban foxes.

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Disease affects the brain and central nervous system

Ticks can also live in the undergrowth and bites the humans when they walk through long grass. These parasites not only spread encephalitis virus but also carry other diseases such as Lyme disease. Doctor Nick Phin said that these are the early research findings and will require further work on it. But he added that the risk to the general public is currently measured to be really low.
Most people who suffer from encephalitis virus will have mild flu-like symptoms that are negligible but it can affect the central nervous system and brain which can be hazardous. A vaccine is available to prevent tick-borne encephalitis whose presence can be felt in mainland Europe and parts of Asia.

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Doctors cautioned people to be tick aware

Scientists believe that the infected ticks may have arrived in the  UK via the migratory birds. Phin said that they are cautioning people to be tick aware and take tick precautions pertinently when visiting or working in areas with long grasses such as parks and woodlands. He also added that tick bites can be prevented by covering skin while walking outdoors, applying insect repellants and checking clothes. The disease begins with flu-like symptoms and then progresses to the next stage with meningitis and swelling of the brain in some of the cases.

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