In the United Kingdom, several cases of tick-borne encephalitis transmitted during a bite have been recorded and are of concern to local authorities.
- In England, three cases of probable or confirmed tick-borne encephalitis have been identified since 2019.
- This disease begins suddenly like the flu, with fever, headaches and chills.
- Its treatment is aimed only at relieving the symptoms, since no specific antiviral medication exists.
“Tick-borne encephalitis is now likely to be present in England” : this was indicated by the British Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in a statement, April 5. Since 2019, three probable or confirmed cases have been identified in England. In 2022, one case was confirmed in Yorkshire.
Tick-borne encephalitis: the risk “remains low” in the United Kingdom
“The virus (arbovirus) has also been previously identified in the border areas of Hampshire and Dorset, and Norfolk and Suffolk, but it may also be present elsewhere, as the species of tick carrying the virus is widespread in the UK. -United”, reports the health authority. Currently, research is underway to determine why the virus has been found more frequently in ticks in recent years.
According to the UKHSA, the risk posed by the tick-borne encephalitis virus to the British population “remains low”. But the agency still recommended modifying testing in hospitals so that any new cases can be detected quickly and there will need to be increased surveillance, including asymptomatic monitoring of people in areas where the virus has been identified.
20-30% of patients suffer from symptoms caused by brain damage
As a reminder, tick-borne encephalitis is a disease transmitted to humans during the bite of a tick carrying the virus. According the Vaccination info service website5,000 to 13,000 cases are reported every year worldwide. “Very rare in France, tick-borne encephalitis is currently rife in Eastern Europe, northern Japan and China.”
After an incubation period of one to two weeks, the condition manifests suddenly like the flu, with fever, headache and chills. In 20 to 30% of patients, symptoms due to brain damage may occur. Among them, we find agitation, drowsiness, delirium, loss of balance or muscle tone disorders. This pathology causes2 to 3% death and sequelae (paralysis) in 10 to 20% of cases”.
Tick-borne encephalitis: strictly symptomatic treatment
The UK Health Safety Agency recommends contacting a doctor if the patient feels unwell after a tick bite. He should seek emergency medical attention if he has symptoms of meningitis (severe headache, stiff neck, pain when looking at bright lights) or neurological signs (seizures, sudden confusion, loss of movement, slurred speech, etc.)
For the time being, no specific antiviral drug exists against this disease. Treatment for tick-borne encephalitis is aimed solely at relieving symptoms. “Convalescence from the disease is long, neurological or psychiatric sequelae may persist after recovery”, specifies the Vaccination info service site.