Rare tick encephalitis disease (tick-borne encephalitis) found in England

By Philippa Roxby

Health reporter

A virus carried by ticks, which is common in many parts of the world, is now present in the UK and health officials are reminding the public how to avoid bites from the tiny bugs.

They say the risk of tick-borne encephalitis is very low - only one person is confirmed to have been infected in England so far, last year.

But the tick species which carries the virus is widespread in the UK.

Most people do not develop symptoms but swelling to the brain is possible.

More at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65177440