A warning has been issued to people across Scotland and the rest of the UK after a case of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was confirmed.
A case has been identified in England, with another 'probable' case found in the Loch Earn area of Scotland, according to a study published by a joint UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Defra committee. The virus can cause severe illness and even death, with concerns the virus has spread to other areas of the country.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, with severity ranging from no signs at all to flu-like symptoms. In more severe cases, the virus can lead to meningitis or encephalitis, according to the World Health Organisation.
Encephalitis is a serious and potentially deadly condition that causes your brain to become swell. The condition requires urgent treatment in hospital.
So what are the signs and symptoms to look out for?
What are the symptoms of encephalitis?
The illness often begins by appearing through flu-like symptoms - such as a high temperature and headache.
However, more serious symptoms may become to appear in the following hours, days or even weeks.
According to the NHS, these complications include:
- fits
- numbness
- disorientation
- difficulty speaking
- personality changes
- weakness or loss of movement in some parts of the body
- loss of consciousness
The longer it takes for treatment to begin, the more dangerous and possibly life threatening encephalitis becomes.
The mortality rate of the condition is up to 40 per cent, according to the Encephalitis Society so it is important to seek medical attention if you think you or someone you know has become infected.
How is encephalitis treated?
The condition required hospital treatment, with recovery rates much greater if detected and treated is started early.
The course of treatments often depends on the underlying cause.
The NHS states that treatment may include:
- antiviral medicines
- steroid injections
- treatments to help control the immune system
- antibiotics or antifungal medicines
- painkillers to reduce discomfort or a high temperature
- medicine to control seizures or fits
- support with breathing, such as oxygen through a face mask or a breathing machine (ventilator)
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