Scientists have issued a stark warning about the as another virus sweeps across the UK.

Tick-borne Encephalitis (TBE), that spreads through tick bites similarly to Lyme disease, has the potential to cause severe long-term health issues. The disease has been prevalent in parts of Europe and Asia, but it wasn't considered a threat to the UK until now.

While most cases can be symptomless, in some instances, the disease can progress to encephalitis causing brain inflammation, neurological damage, and even death. A medical study revealed a fatality rate of 0.5 per cent for TBE, with 2.5 per cent of patients suffering long-term neurological complications.

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The research confirmed that TBE is present and circulating within the UK's tick populations and can cause human disease. The researchers pinpointed areas in the UK responsible for suspected tick transmission, particularly Thetford Forest (East of England), the Hampshire/Dorset border, (Loch Earn), and Yorkshire.

Until recently, TBE cases in the UK were only seen in travellers who had contracted the disease overseas. However, in 2019, the first probable case of domestically contracted TBE was observed, reports .

Patients affected by TBE developed flu-like symptoms followed by neurological symptoms, including ataxia and confusion; the patients recovered after receiving supportive care. Researchers have drawn these conclusions after conducting a retrospective analysis of TBE cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2023 using records from the UK Health Security Agency's Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory.

The study emphasised that public health efforts, including tick bite prevention, should also focus on raising awareness for TBE, not just Lyme disease.