Researchers have drawn these conclusions after conducting a retrospective analysis of TBE cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2023 using records from the UK Health Security Agency's Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory.
The study emphasised that public health efforts, including tick bite prevention, should also focus on raising awareness for TBE, not just Lyme disease.
Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE), a virus that spreads through tick bites similarly to Lyme disease, has the potential to cause severe long-term health issues.
The research confirmed that TBE is present and circulating within the UK's tick populations and can cause human disease.
Patients affected by TBE developed flu-like symptoms followed by neurological symptoms, including ataxia and confusion; the patients recovered after receiving supportive care.
