2023-07-13 13:07:01
The tick-borne encephalitis virus is rarely fatal, but can cause long-term sequelae. A first French assessment of the cases identified over the past two years shows its geographical and temporal extension.
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The results of the first two years of surveillance, from May 2021 to May 2023, of cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in France are not reassuring. According to Public health Francethe risk areas and the transmission period of the virusvirus are wider than expected, despite an expected peak in infections in May-June.
The census brings to 71 the number of cases notified during the period in France, including 4 cases of young people under 16 and 15 people over 65. Infections acquired on the territory are more numerous than those acquired during trips abroad: 86% are cases of “indigenous” infection against 14% of cases of infection in a country “at risk”.
Haute-Savoie is the department which has recorded the most cases over the two years, while the recognition of the virus is much more recent there than in Alsace for example. The balance sheet adds that “ in general, the Auvergne-Rhône Alpes region is now an important area for the circulation of the virus, with mountain ranges particularly at risk, such as Forez. In addition, three cases infected with the virus in this region were involved in a collective food poisoning attributed to raw milk goat cheese from the Rhône.
Probable places of contamination of autochthonous cases of infection by the TBE virus declared in France from May 2021 to May 2023 (61 in total). © Public Health France
Protect yourself from tick bites
This surveillance follows the increase in the incidence of the disease in Europe and the extension of the usual area and period of the virus. Climate change in Europe could partly explain this development. Since May 2021, infections with the TBE virus have been included on the list of notifiable diseases for better identification of cases.
« Monitoring these infections in the years to come will show whether the area of circulation of the virus continues to expand. This dynamic underlines the need to protect against tick bites when working or playing in any place. For example, it is advisable to wear full body clothing, avoid tall grass and use skin repellents.
This rare tick-borne disease is coming to Europe
Article by Claire ManièreClaire Manière, published on April 7, 2023
British health authorities have confirmed the outbreak of tick-borne encephalitis virus in England. However, the risk it represents for humans remains very low.
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a virus carried by ticks, is likely to be found in England. A new risk assessment — published by the British Health Security Agency — warning of the presence of the potentially deadly virus in several regions, such as the border areas of Hampshire and Dorset, as well as Norfolk and Suffolk. ” There have been 3 cases of probable or confirmed tick-borne encephalitis acquired in England since 2019, including one linked to the Yorkshire region in 2022. This case, in 2022, is the first confirmed case in England. »
TBEV is endemicendemic in many parts of the world, including Europe. In France, residents of the Ain department were infected with the virus in 2020. It causes illnesses of varying severity such as asymptomatic infection, mild flu-like illness or serious infection of the central nervous systemnervous system central (such as meningitismeningitis or encephalitis). TBEV is fatal in 2-3% of cases.
Increased surveillance in the UK
The British agency reminds that a person must consult a general practitioner if they feel bad after a tick bite or if they have symptoms of meningitis (severe headaches, stiff neck, etc.) or neurological symptoms (unusual seizure, confusion, weakness in arms and legs, change in vision, slurred speech).
While the risk that the virus poses to the general public remains very low, the British agency has recommended modifying tests in hospitals so that any new cases can be detected quickly. ” Research is ongoing to determine why the virus has been found more frequently in ticks in recent years. »
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