A virus that is transmitted by ticks, and is common in many parts of the world, has now been found in the UK. 

Health officials are reminding the public on how to avoid tick bites as a precaution. Although the risk of tick-borne encephalitis is very low – only one person has been confirmed to have been infected in England so far last year, the tick species which carries the virus is widespread in the UK. 

Swelling of the brain is possible but most people do not show any symptoms. The UK Health Security Agency suggests changes to testing in hospitals so that new cases can be picked up quickly. 

Enhanced surveillance for the virus is being carried out in England and Scotland where there is one probable case of tick-borne encephalitis. 

Health officials are also testing blood samples for the virus in people with no symptoms in parts of Yorkshire where the confirmed case was infected. 

Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of animals and humans, and are usually found in dense woodland or moorland and feed on deer. They can transmit viruses and infections while feeding, with Lyme disease being the most common bacterial infection which can be treated with antibiotics. 

Dr Meera Chand, deputy director at the UK Health Security Agency, stated that tick-borne encephalitis is “very uncommon in the UK,” and the risk to the general population is “very low.” However, it is best for the public to take necessary precautions to avoid being bitten by ticks when outdoors in moorlands and woodlands, and remove them promptly.