UKHSA Health Protection Briefing Note 2026/025: Tick-borne encephalitis in the UK, Summer 2026

Dear colleagues,

The purpose of this briefing note is to detail the clinical and public health response. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an emerging public health concern in the UK, particularly in parts of southern England. There has been an increase in human cases of TBE reported. This briefing note aims to: Raise awareness of the emerging risk of TBE infection in the UK, particularly in southern England. Remind clinicians to consider tick-borne infections such as TBE in their differential diagnoses and arrange appropriate testing and treatment. Alert clinicians to updated guidance in the Green Book regarding TBE vaccination in the UK. Encourage submission of ticks to the UKHSA’s Tick Surveillance Scheme. Remind local authorities (LAs) and UKHSA Health Protection Teams (HPTs) to promote tick-bite prevention messages using the tick toolkit throughout spring and summer in areas where ticks may be active.

If you have any queries about the information cascaded, please follow the instructions in the briefing note for support.  Please note: This is being cascaded on behalf of UKHSA