Health officials have reported two probable cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the UK last year, one of which was acquired on Dartmoor. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed these were locally-acquired infections, marking a rare occurrence of the disease in the country.
TBE is a viral infection that can cause severe neurological symptoms, including meningitis and encephalitis. The cases were identified through surveillance and testing, with the Dartmoor case linked to a walker who was bitten by a tick in the area.
The UKHSA advises the public to take precautions when visiting areas with ticks, such as moorlands and woodlands, by wearing long sleeves and trousers, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities. Ticks are most active from spring to autumn.
This is not the first time TBE has been detected in the UK; a case was reported in 2019 in the New Forest. However, the risk to the general public remains low, according to health officials.
