A tick virus which may trigger severe meningitis-like signs has been detected in a number of areas in England, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) knowledgeable. The company suggested adjustments to testing in hospitals to forestall 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 circumstances 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 suggests that tick borne encephalitis virus is very uncommon in the UK,” deputy director on the UKHSA Meera Chand stated, including, “Ticks also carry various other infections, including Lyme disease, so take steps to reduce your chances of being bitten when outdoors in areas where ticks thrive.”

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The virus carried by ticks is widespread in lots of international locations globally. Symptoms from the virus embrace asymptomatic an infection and in some circumstances extreme an infection of the central nervous system similar to a excessive fever with headache, neck stiffness, confusion or diminished consciousness.

Although UK’s well being company stated that the chance of the virus is low, early testing may very well be useful because the virus additionally presents itself asymptomatically. People ought to verify their garments and physique often for ticks after being outdoor, the well being company suggested.