Health officials have reported two new probable cases of locally-acquired tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the UK last year, bringing the total number of such cases to six. One TBE case was linked to a tick bite in Dartmoor, while the other involved visits to the Peak District and the Outer Hebrides. TBE was previously considered an 'imported disease' until 2019.
Expanding Threat Zones
The TBE virus is currently believed to be limited to specific areas in Britain, including Thetford Forest, New Forest, Devon, North Yorkshire, Dartmoor, and parts of Scotland. Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
Lyme Disease on the Rise
Lyme disease, another tick-borne illness, saw 1,168 cases recorded in England last year, an increase from 959 in 2024. Symptoms often include a distinctive 'bullseye' rash. While no locally-acquired mosquito-borne infections were reported, officials highlight a growing threat from invasive Aedes mosquitoes and climate change, despite the overall risk remaining low.
