Two in hospital with rare infections caused by tick bite

Two people in England have been diagnosed with tick-borne infections. Credit: AP

Two people who have been diagnosed with rare infections spread by a tick bite are being treated in hospitals in England, health officials have confirmed.

One person, from Devon, has been diagnosed with babesiosis, an infection of red blood cells caused by a parasite, in what is the first recorded UK-acquired case of the illness, according to officials.

The other patient, from Hampshire, is thought to have tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), a viral infection that affects the central nervous system. It is the second case of TBE acquired in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) said.

Both patients are receiving treatment in hospital and are expected to make a full recovery and the risk of being infected remains very low, PHE said.

Dr Katherine Russell, consultant in the emerging infections and zoonoses team at PHE, said: “It is important to emphasise that cases of babesiosis and TBE in England are rare and the risk of being infected remains very low.

“Ticks are most active between spring and autumn, so it is sensible to take some precautions to avoid being bitten when enjoying the outdoors.

“Seek medical advice if you start to feel unwell after a tick bite."

Health officials took blood samples from deer and found a likely infection. Credit: PA

Medical officials from PHE surveyed sites in Devon close to where the patient with babesiosis lives, collecting and testing hundreds of ticks but all tested negative for the parasite that causes the infection.

They also tested deer blood samples near where the person with potential TBE lives and found evidence of likely infection, matching similar results found last year.

  • What are the symptoms of babesiosis?

Most people with babesiosis will have either no symptoms or mild symptoms of infection. However, people with weakened immune systems can become very ill if infected and suffer flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle ache, fatigue and jaundice.

  • What are the symptoms of TBE?

Around two-thirds of people with TBE infections will have no symptoms, and, for those who develop symptoms, there are often two phases.

The first is associated with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and fatigue, which can then progress to a more serious second phase which involves the central nervous system, which can lead to meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis.

  • How to be 'tick-aware'

Although the risk of babesiosis or TBE for the general public is very low, a number of infections can develop following a tick bite, including Lyme disease which is the most common.

PHE said it is important to “be tick aware” and take precautions such as keeping to footpaths and avoiding long grass and wearing appropriate clothing and considering using repellents containing Deet.

Officials said people should make it a habit to carry out a 'tick check' and, if bitten, it should be removed as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers.