Experts have sent an urgent message to the British public about the presence of a virus that could hit the country soon.
While the likes of norovirus have run havoc across the UK and attention was brought to the rare skin condition of Psoriasis during the winter months, it looks like there might be one more disease to be aware of.
It isn't a seasonal disease, but you'd be surprised at how easy it could be to contract.
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What is TBE?
It's short for Tick-borne Encephalitis, and it's a virus that spreads through bites from ticks.
Similar to the more common Lyme disease, TBE can bring on a number of long-term health issues.
While it has been around in Russia, most of Europe and parts of China and Japan, it looks like the disease is now being considered a threat in the UK.
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According to the NHS, ticks can be found in woodlands and grassy areas, though they can also be found in gardens and parks - so it's worth keeping your eye out.
Luckily for us though, only a small number of ticks carry the TBE virus in the UK, and even if you are bitten, the chances of serious illness are quite low.
The virus can also be spread via unpasteurised milk or dairy food products.
Symptoms of TBE
Most TBE cases present as symptomless, but in rare instances, it can progress to brain inflammation, or even death.
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Some of the symptoms you can get after a week are flu-like, such as:
- A fever
- Tiredness
- A headache
- Constant aches and pains
- Feeling unwell
While these usually go on their own, the more serious symptoms can start to develop in rare instances. Some of these are:
- Stiff neck and severe headache
- Pain when looking at bright lights
- A seizure
- Confusion, slurred speech or a change in behaviour
- Loss of movement in part of the body or weakness
How fatal is TBE?
As reported by the Daily Star, a medical study revealed a fatality rate of just 0.5 percent for TBE, while 2.5 percent of patients suffered long-term neurological problems.
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TBE is still present and can be contracted from ticks, with researchers outlining the danger zones for the virus: Thetford Forest, the Hampshire/Dorset border, Scotland, and Yorkshire.
The first case found in the country was discovered in 2019, and patients that suffered from its symptoms recovered successfully following supportive care.
How to avoid tick bites
If possible, try to stop it at the source - check your skin for bites and wear lighter colours so you can spot ticks easier. Avoid brushing against any plants while walking, wear insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts and trousers to protect yourself.
When removing a tick, use tweezers or a tick removal tool, which can be found at pharmacies and pet shops.
Joshua Nair