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  "path": "/2026/05/21/what-is-tick-borne-encephalitis-virus-and-is-it-found-in-the-uk/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-21T09:56:32.000Z",
  "site": "https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Tick-borne encephalitis virus",
    "ticks carrying TBEV have been found in England",
    "2 further probable cases of TBE complex were identified in England",
    "locations across England and Scotland",
    "TravelHealthPro",
    "NHS website",
    "latest data on ticks and Lyme disease on the UKHSA Data Dashboard",
    "Centre for Climate and Health Security",
    "annual One Health Vector-Borne Disease surveillance reports"
  ],
  "textContent": "Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a viral infection that spreads through tick bites. Although it is common in many parts of the world, including several European countries, in the last few years, ticks carrying TBEV have been found in England. A very small number of human tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) cases have been diagnosed that are thought to have been acquired in the UK.\n\nIn 2025, 2 further probable cases of TBE complex were identified in England, neither of whom were related to each other or had a history of international travel. This brings the total number of locally acquired human cases to 6 since the virus was first identified in the UK in 2019.\n\n## **Where in Britain are you most likely to catch TBEV?**\n\nThe risk of contracting tick-borne encephalitis virus in Britain is very low and not all ticks carry the infection. A small number of cases have been linked to locations across England and Scotland.\n\n## **What is the risk to UK travellers?**\n\nTBE is present in parts of Europe and Asia, particularly in rural and forested areas of central, eastern and northern Europe. The highest rates are reported in countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia and Czechia. Travellers spending time outdoors in these areas - especially hiking, camping or working in forests - are at greater risk of tick bites and potential infection.\n\nIf you are travelling, it is important to check whether your destination is affected using resources like TravelHealthPro or by consulting a travel clinic. For those visiting higher-risk areas or spending significant time outdoors, vaccination may be recommended. Regardless of destination, practising tick avoidance - such as using insect repellent, wearing appropriate clothing, and checking for ticks - is key to reducing risk.\n\n## **What are its symptoms?**\n\nTBEV causes a range of presentations, from completely asymptomatic infection to mild flu-like illness, to severe infection in the central nervous system such as meningitis or encephalitis (swelling of the brain).\n\nSymptoms of encephalitis and meningitis can include a high fever with a headache, neck stiffness, confusion, seizures or fits, reduced or loss of consciousness.\n\nSeek urgent medical attention if you or anyone you know experiences:\n\n  * severe headache\n  * stiff neck\n  * pain looking at bright lights\n  * a fit (seizure), if not known to be epileptic\n  * sudden confusion or change in behaviour\n  * weakness or loss of movement in arms and legs\n  * facial drooping, change in vision or slurred speech\n\n\n\nMore information can be found on the NHS website.\n\nRemember that advice is readily available through the NHS. If you think you have been bitten by a tick and have symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis call 999.\n\n## **What is UKHSA's role in handling disease spread by ticks?**\n\nWe monitor the public health risks posed by ticks and the diseases they carry through surveillance and risk assessments - you can see our latest data on ticks and Lyme disease on the UKHSA Data Dashboard.\n\nOur Centre for Climate and Health Security turns complex data on tick populations into evidence-based guidance to help prepare for and respond to emerging tick-borne diseases. Our UKHSA Biosurveillance team regularly monitors exposure to tick-borne viruses in deer. As of 2026, we publish an annual One Health Vector-Borne Disease surveillance reports, tracking changes in the distribution of ticks and tick-borne diseases over time.",
  "title": "What is tick-borne encephalitis virus and is it found in the UK?",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-21T09:56:32.000Z"
}