Brain-damaging infectious disease spread by ticks reaches UK for first time

Public Health England investigating how common infected arachnids might be

It is thought infected ticks arrived in the UK through migratory birds (Getty)

An infectious disease that can damage the brain and is spread to humans by tick bites has been identified in the UK for the first time.

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed the presence of the tick-borne encephalitis virus in Thetford Forest, Norfolk and on the Hampshire-Dorset border.

While the PHE says the risk is “very low”, it is investigating how common the infected ticks might be.

The small parasitic arachnids are becoming more common in parts of the UK, mainly due to increasing deer numbers.

Ticks can also live in undergrowth and latch onto humans when walking through undergrowth and long grass.

Ticks can also carry other diseases, including Lyme disease.

Dr Nick Phin of PHE said: “These are early research findings and indicate the need for further work. However, the risk to the general public is currently assessed to be very low.”

Most people who catch the encephalitis virus will have no or only mild flu-like symptoms, but it can affect the brain and central nervous system and can sometimes be fatal. A vaccine is available privately for tick-borne encephalitis.

The tick-borne encephalitis virus is already present in mainland Europe and parts of Asia.

It is thought infected ticks may have arrived in the UK through migratory birds.

“We are reminding people to be ‘tick aware’ and take tick precautions, particularly when visiting or working in areas with long grass such as woodlands, moorlands and parks,” Dr Phin told the BBC.

The NHS advises that tick bites can be prevented by covering skin while walking outdoors, using existing paths and nature trails, applying insect repellent and checking your clothes and hair after going for a walk.

Additional reporting by Press Association