2023-07-31 12:12:35
Holidays are not always synonymous with tranquility. France has issued an urgent warning to tourists as cases of tick-borne encephalitis have reached new highs in the country. A rare, life-threatening disease that can lead to meningitis. She currently has a hospitalization rate of 94% in France, public health bodies have warned. In total, some 61 cases have been identified.
Concretely, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is facing an increase in cases. It now has the highest number of victims in the past two years. Note that cases are also reported in the Ardèche region. As explained by the leaders of health institutions, more than a third of the cases recorded in recent years have resulted in meningitis. Fortunately, no deaths were reported.
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Tick-borne encephalitis is transmitted by bites often in wet wooded areas during hikes or camping sessions. It is an unpleasant infection that affects the central nervous system. A total of 40% of people suffer from long-term neurological effects.
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A long incubation period
As a reminder, the incubation period can be up to two weeks and flu-like symptoms can appear suddenly. They include pain, high temperature, headache and fatigue. Unfortunately, this disease can progress to a more serious condition with symptoms of meningitis such as a stiff neck, seizures or drowsiness.
Faced with this situation, Public Health France has invited those who travel to France to take precautions. The body urged the public to carefully inspect their bodies following walking in rural or wooded areas and to cover up as much as possible to help prevent tick bites. It is also highly recommended to stay on paths, avoid tall grass and use skin repellents. If bitten, remove the tick as quickly as possible with tweezers and clean the bite with an antiseptic.
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