The National Health Security Agency warns against the possible proliferation of the Hyalomma tick in France. A tick carrying a deadly virus. Photo.
A tick present in the South of France for several years, could expand its presence nationwide because of climate change, warns the National Health Security Agency (handles) in June 2023. Native to Africa and Asia, this tick, mainly introduced by birds migrants from Africa, managed to settle in Corsica and on the Mediterranean coast since 2015. She likes dry climates and hot periods. Her name : the hyalomma tick. Three species of ticks of the genus Hyalomma are present in France. The danger of this tick lies in its ability to transmit, when bitten, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF)a disease with life-threatening consequences. “Whether no human case has been detected for the moment, the risk of appearance of cases of CCHF in France is possible” explains Elsa Quillery, coordinator of scientific expertise at ANSES. A dozen human cases aboriginals of CHF have been reported in Spain since 2013, some of which caused the death of the patient. In France, antibodies specific to the CCHF virus have been found in domestic and wild animals, suggesting that these animals were exposed on our territory. ANSES calls for a heightened vigilance and increased surveillance ticks across the country.
What are the symptoms of a bite?
The symptoms of Crimean-Congo fever (CCHF) are similar to those of the flu. The infected person may have fever, feeling tired, having headaches, muscle aches and chills. Sometimes she may also have digestive disorders such as nausea or vomiting. In the most severe cases, the disease progresses to hemorrhagic syndrome (bleeding) with a mortality rates reaching 30% in some countries.
How to protect yourself?
If you live in areas where the Hyalomma tick is present, it is recommended that you wear long clothes, use tick repellents and to carry out thorough checks after a walk in the great outdoors. It is also essential to consult a doctor in the event of a tick bite, and report any Hyalomma tick findings to the appropriate authorities.