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Eric Caumes (Infectious disease specialist)
Transmitted by tick bites, the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus could be circulating in several departments in the South of France. What precautions should be taken ? Update with Professor Eric Caumes, infectious disease specialist and consultant doctor at Hôtel-Dieu, in Paris.
According to Laurence Vial, an epidemiologist interviewed by Le Point, the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus could be circulating in several departments of France, notably Corsica, Aude, Gard, Hérault, Ardèche, Var and the Alpes-Maritimes. Information confirmed by Professor Eric Caumes, interviewed by Doctissimo. “VSThe virus has been circulating in Spain for around ten years already, it is not surprising that it is arriving and that cases are increasing in France now. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is one of the emerging arboviruses..
A virus transmitted by the bite of a tick
The virus has been present since 2015 on the Mediterranean coast. No indigenous cases have yet been recorded in humans in France. The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is generally transmitted by the bite of a tick, of the genus Hyalomma. “Transmission to humans is also possible through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected animal or human (during the short period during which the virus circulates in the blood).” adds Public Health France.
What are the symptoms of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever?
Once the patient is bitten, different symptoms appear in the event of contamination by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. “This happens quite quickly, within a week on average. believes Eric Caumes. “The patient then feels fevermuscle pain, dizziness, stiffness and neck pain… It is initially a flu syndrome..
In some cases, the disease may remain asymptomatic. And in a third of cases, it is fatal. “In the most serious cases, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever is complicated by hemorrhagewhich is often fatal for the patient” confirms the expert.
Three points worry Professor Caumes
Asked about the probable spread of this virus in France, Professor Eric Caumes raises three particular points which worry him. “The first is the fact that the virus has no truly effective treatment or vaccine. The second worrying point concerns secondary transmission to healthcare personnel which is significant and finally, the third concern concerns mortality, which is also important, because it is estimated to be around 30%.
According to our expert, you should avoid getting bitten because it is the only possible means of prevention at present. This involves small, simple actions such as:
- Wear loose, long, light-colored clothing;
- Walk on marked paths and avoid the undergrowth;
- Tuck the bottom of your pants into your socks;
- Wear closed shoes;
- Inspect your body after returning from an outing in nature.
In the event of a bite, it is recommended to remove the tick with a tick remover, disinfect it and monitor the appearance of possible symptoms.