A new invasion of vampire ticks is causing panic in the UK, as the pests have been linked to a horror film-style brain disease for the first time. The ticks have introduced the deadly Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus (TBEV) to Britain, a disease that can cause brain swelling, paralysis, and severe damage to the central nervous system.
Previously, TBEV had only affected Brits who were infected abroad. However, scientists have now identified the first domestically acquired case in a 28-year-old Scottish man who suffered multiple tick bites while hiking in the Highlands. Two months later, he is still struggling with lingering symptoms.
A sobering study published in the Eurosurveillance journal confirmed the findings, stating: “This paper confirms domestically acquired TBEV infection in the UK, reporting the first PCR-confirmed case with no history of foreign travel, told DailyStar.
“Doctors should now consider whether TBEV could be the cause in patients who present with unexplained encephalitis. “Current public health campaigns encourage everyone to be tick aware with the aim to try and prevent Lyme disease transmission.
“These campaigns should also now include TBEV.” Scientists previously believed that TBEV was “absent from the UK.” The virus, which presents meningitis-like symptoms, can cause high fever, headaches, stiff neck, and impaired consciousness. Until now, it has been most commonly contracted by travelers visiting Russia, China, Japan, and parts of Europe.
The Scottish victim contracted the virus while walking near Loch Earn, approximately 17 kilometers west of Crieff. Two days later, he experienced fatigue, which escalated into severe symptoms, including a stiff neck, light sensitivity, and headaches. Within days, he sought medical help after developing double vision.
PCR testing—similar to the technology used to detect COVID-19—confirmed he had TBEV. Eight weeks after the initial symptoms, he continues to suffer from headaches, poor balance, and dizziness.
Dr. Meera Chand from the UK Health Security Agency reassured the public, saying: “Our surveillance suggests tick-borne encephalitis virus is very uncommon in the UK and the risk to the general population is very low.
“Ticks also carry various other infections, including Lyme disease, so take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten when outdoors in areas where ticks thrive, such as moorlands and woodlands, and remember to check for ticks and remove them promptly.” While vaccines for TBEV exist, they provide only temporary protection, and currently, there is no cure for the disease.
