A duathlete who developed severe brain inflammation after a tick bite has described the pain as feeling like 'an alien trying to get out' of his head. Bill Lankford, 62, a retired scientist from Cambridge, was diagnosed with tick-borne encephalitis in September 2025 after completing a 50km ultra-distance swim-run across Scandinavia with his wife Christina, 60.
His symptoms began with fatigue, muscle aches, and fever about five days after the August 2025 event. After a brief improvement, he suffered debilitating headaches, sleep disruption, balance issues, blackouts, and sensitivity to light and fast-moving images. Despite negative Covid-19 tests and initial treatment for Lyme disease, his condition worsened.
Bill was admitted to hospital where doctors conducted numerous tests, including a spinal tap, before confirming tick-borne encephalitis. 'It's quite difficult for medical staff to diagnose. I was basically tested for everything from Aids to Zika,' he said. He spent a week in hospital on IV antivirals, antifungals, and antibacterials.
Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection spread by tick bites, causing flu-like symptoms, memory problems, and seizures, according to Encephalitis International. Bill believes he was bitten during the swim-run through forests and beaches in the Aland archipelago. He initially mistook the bite for a mosquito or midge bite.
Recovery has been slow. Bill used a walking stick, could not walk more than 500 metres, and experienced muscle tremors, chronic fatigue, and memory loss. Nine months on, he has rebuilt his fitness through walking, cycling, and pilates, and recently completed a 22km swim-run in Dorset. 'I'm pretty proud of my physical fortitude,' he said.
Bill urges anyone active in tick-prone areas to consider vaccination. 'Without anyone at home, I couldn't have looked after myself,' he added. Encephalitis International offers support for those affected.
