A tick virus which may trigger severe meningitis-like signs has been detected in a number of areas in England, UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) knowledgeable. The company suggested adjustments to testing in hospitals to stop the spreading of the tick virus. Following the alarm raised by the well being company, enhanced surveillance for the virus is now being carried out in England and Scotland, BBC reported.
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The report added that well being officers are additionally testing for the presence of the virus in blood samples of individuals with no signs in components of Yorkshire as one case was confirmed there.
Three instances of possible or confirmed tick borne encephalitis acquired in England have been discovered since 2019, the UKHSA stated as final 12 months the primary case was confirmed in England. The virus has additionally been detected within the Hampshire/Dorset and Norfolk areas.
The data on the virus has now been launched as a result of it’s the beginning of tick season, a well being company spokesperson stated as per information company Reuters.
“Our surveillance means that tick borne encephalitis virus could be very unusual within the UK,” deputy director on the UKHSA Meera Chand stated, including, “Ticks additionally carry numerous different infections, together with Lyme illness, so take steps to cut back your probabilities of being bitten when outside in areas the place ticks thrive.”
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The virus carried by ticks is widespread in lots of nations globally. Signs from the virus embrace asymptomatic an infection and in some instances extreme an infection of the central nervous system comparable to a excessive fever with headache, neck stiffness, confusion or decreased consciousness.
Though UK’s well being company stated that the chance of the virus is low, early testing could possibly be helpful because the virus additionally presents itself asymptomatically. Folks ought to verify their garments and physique frequently for ticks after being outside, the well being company suggested.