European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC)
Doi
Abstract
Background: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a flavivirus spread by ticks and can cause tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in humans. Previously, TBE has been reported in returning travellers in the United Kingdom (UK), but in 2019 and 2020, two probable cases of TBE acquired in the UK were identified.AimThe aim of this study was to investigate TBE cases in the UK between 2015 and 2023, describing the incidence, place and mode of acquisition and diagnostic process.
Methods: A retrospective review of possible, probable and confirmed cases of TBE diagnosed by the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) between January 2015 and December 2023 was performed. For cases identified in 2022 and 2023, clinical data were collected for enhanced surveillance using structured case record forms. Laboratory diagnosis is reviewed and described.
Results: We identified 21 cases: three possible, seven probable and 11 confirmed cases. Of these, 12 were between January 2022 and December 2023: three possible, three probable and six confirmed cases. Two confirmed TBE cases had definite or highly probable acquisition in the UK, in June and August 2022, respectively. One of the possible cases had definite UK acquisition. Cases typically have a biphasic presentation, with encephalitis in the second phase.
Conclusion; Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of TBE when the cause for encephalitis is not identified, even in the absence of travel to previously identified endemic regions
