Spring marks the return of ticks! Particularly present in the forest, these mites can also bite humans in gardens. Some of them are capable of transmitting a bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the cause of Lyme disease. How to protect yourself from ticks? What to do if bitten ?
Lyme disease is the main human disease linked to tick bites. These are vectors: they become bearers of the germ by biting an infected animal. When they then bite a human, they transmit the bacteria to them. via their saliva. On the other hand, humans cannot contaminate each other.
Prompt management with antibiotics, the disease remains mild. On the other hand, in the absence of treatment, the complications can be serious and cause numerous lesions: cutaneous, muscular, neurological, articular… Hence the importance of a good knowledge of this pathology by individuals and rapid diagnosis.
Mainly associated with walks in the forest, ticks are also rampant in gardens: 25% of bites occur there according to theapplication Tick alert developed by Inrae and the Nancy-Champenoux permanent center for environmental initiatives. This participatory application provides information to walkers, in particular thanks to tick presence maps.
How to protect yourself from ticks?
In the event of a walk in the forest or in a garden, protect yourself with repellents, respecting the conditions of use written on the packaging or the product instructions. Closed shoes are preferred. The wearing of clothes color clear allows you to immediately spot ticks on the surface of the fabric if there are any. Prefer marked paths with tall grass or bushes. When you return from the walk, carry out a thorough inspection in search of any possible biteand remember to inspect your children too!
What to do in case of a bite?
Although not all ticks are infected with the vector bacteria Lyme disease, if you have spotted a tick on your skin, you must remove it immediately! This can be done ideally with a tick puller or tweezers; otherwise, use your nails. In case of infection, a red halo appears on the skin a few days after the bite. It runs in a circular fashion around the stitch point.
During the following days, the sting area should be monitored and the occurrence of potential symptoms : mostly a red patch that extends around the puncture site, with a lighter center. This area is not itchy and the patient has no fever. If in doubt, consult your doctor for a possible prescription of antibiotics (doxycycline, amoxicillin or azithromycin).
Good to know: a person who has been infected can be infected again, there is no acquired immunity.
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