2023-07-18 07:50:29
If you walk in the middle of nature this summer, watch for ticks because these small insects are in the sights of Public Health France.
Summer is a popular time for holidays and moments of relaxation. However, it is also a season full of potential threats to our health. Among the best known are sunburn, jellyfish or mosquito bites. But flying pests are not the only insects to fear in this summer period. Indeed, another threat lurks: ticks.
The risks of tick bites are known in animals, especially dogs. In fact, it is often recommended to look at the whole coat of the animal after a walk in a park or in the forest. However, this small 8-legged insect can also bite humans. And just like in animals, they can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease.
However, this is not the only risk associated with a tick bite. Santé Publique France has also recently posted a press release following the increase in France in cases of tick-borne encephalitis. Focus on this little-known but very dangerous disease.
Watch out, it’s tick season! Watch your skin
— Ouest-France (@OuestFrance) May 24, 2023
What are the symptoms of tick-borne encephalitis?
If the disease worries Public Health France, it is initially because symptoms start late. Indeed, they usually appear 2 weeks after the bite. In addition, the symptoms of encephalitis are very similar to those of the flu : chills, headaches, fever… It is therefore easy to confuse the two illnesses and make things worse.
Secondly, this resemblance to the flu means that the patients concerned do not have an appropriate treatment. When the symptoms get worse, they cause chain hospitalizations for 94% of patients. And this is all the more serious as encephalitis can affect the nervous system.
Finally, the health authorities have noted an increase in cases since 2021. Although the disease remains rare, it is taken very seriously by Santé Publique France. In fact, the authority invites holidaymakers to be careful, especially in certain regions.
More frequent cases in the Auvergne-Rhône Alpes region
In France, the majority of cases have been identified in Haute-Savoie and in the Auvergne-Rhône Alpes region. But ticks can rage everywhere, in France and abroad. Adopting the right reflexes therefore makes it possible to limit the risks.
You should know that ticks usually live in wooded and humid areas. In fact, vigilance is required in the woods, but also around the campsites but also during hikes. After each walk, it is important to observe the calves, legs and arms in detail to spot potential bite marks.
Finally, Public Health France invites walkers to wear covering clothing, avoid tall grass and get vaccinated before a stay in a country at risk.
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