Health officials have warned a deadly virus from ticks is likely present in the UK.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is already common in part of Europe but is thought to have now spread to Britain.
The revelation emerged in a joint report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Defra committee.
While in many people it is completely asymptomatic or may cause mid flu-like symptoms, a severe infection can be far more serious.
The ticks are already common in parts of Europe
Pixabay
In extreme cases the illness can impact the central nervous system and cause meningitis or encephalitis.
Encephalitis is an uncommon but potentially deadly condition in which the brain becomes swollen.
In total there have been three suspected cases of TBEV in England since 2019.
There has been one confirmed case in Yorkshire in 2022, and a probable case detected in the Loch Earn area of Scotland in the same year.
The virus has also been detected in the Hampshire/Dorset and Norfolk areas.
However, the new report warns that TBEV could be found anywhere in the country.
Despite the health risks, the UKHSA has sought to reassure Britons.
Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at the government agency, said: "Our surveillance suggests that tick-borne encephalitis virus is very uncommon in the UK and that the risk to the general population is very low."
Outlining how people could end up infected, Ian Jones, professor of virology, University of Reading said: "The virus is found naturally in some ticks and gets transferred to a person if they are bitten (only if the tick is infected), usually on bare arms and legs whilst walking through undergrowth. Wearing appropriate clothing essentially removes the risk.”
Prof Jones added: "Now here, it’s unlikely that TBEV will disappear, but the general threat level is very low and there is no reason to suppose cases in people will be any more than sporadic in nature.
"A vaccine is used in areas of high incidence in Europe and could be considered here for individuals with outdoor occupations in areas where the virus is found.
"For the general public however the risk is minimal."
