The tick while walking in France
In the Netherlands, we only know the tick species Ixodus Ricinus (sheep tick) that transmits Lyme disease, but in France this tick often transmits other diseases. In addition, there are also plenty of other tick species to be discovered in France that are also infected with all kinds of bacteria. These ticks spread diseases and it is therefore very important to be extra alert for ticks in this country.
The tick is everywhere in France
Ticks are an increasing problem in France. In this country, more and more people are bitten by a tick and the French Ministry of Health speaks of 5,000 to 6,000 new patients per year. The Pasteur research institute even indicates that there are 12,000 to 15,000 new cases per year.
Ticks are found throughout France, but the situation is particularly serious in the centre and north-east of the country. In the north-east there are even ticks that cause encephalitis.
Tick disease Fièvre Bouttonneuse in (Southern) France
This disease has not been given a French name for nothing, because tick disease is common in France, mainly in the area around the Mediterranean Sea. The disease is characterized by a sore with a black crust and a red discoloration of the skin after a tick bite. The lymph nodes can also be swollen. Headache, muscle and joint pain occur and this is often accompanied by a drop in blood pressure and sometimes with neurological abnormalities and disruption of kidney function. After about five to seven days after the bite, chills and fever develop. This fever can last for several days to two weeks. Red spots also appear all over the body after five days. There is no vaccine available for this disease. Usually a course of antibiotics is prescribed.
Fièvre Bouttonneuse is spread by the tick species Rhipicephalus, which is common in countries with a warm climate. These ticks survive in trees and in warm and humid environments, including in the home. They are also often found on rodents, antelopes, cattle or pets.
Lyme disease in Northern France
In the north of France, just like in the Netherlands, they have to deal with the Ixodes Ricinus, the tick that transmits Lyme disease. The ticks hide in green places, such as grass, trees and bushes. A red circular spot at the site of the tick bite is a symptom of this disease. It is possible to get a course of antibiotics against this disease, but there is no vaccine.
Tick-borne encephalitis / TBE in northern and eastern France
Encephalitis is a brain inflammation caused by a viral infection. The Ixodus Ricinus, the tick that also occurs in the Netherlands, can be infected with the bacteria in France and transmit it to people. The risk of being bitten by a tick is greatest in the months from March to November. Most people who become infected do not become seriously ill. People who do become ill develop flu-like symptoms with a fever after seven to ten days. This disappears by itself. A small group develops brain inflammation one to three days after the symptoms disappear. One percent dies from the consequences of this. Although there is no treatment for this disease, vaccination is possible.
Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE) in Northern and Eastern France
This disease is also transmitted by the Ixodus Ricinus. The symptoms consist of fever, headache and muscle pain. Liver dysfunction also occurs. The symptoms usually occur within a week after the bite and can be remedied with an antibiotic.
TIBOL
This disease is caused by the bacterium Ricketsia slovaca and is transmitted by the Dermacentor tick. The first symptom of the disease is a pimple that ulcerates and secretes yellow fluid after a few days, causing crusts to form. This is usually accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Often a bald spot remains on the hairy skin. These complaints can occur 1 to 55 days (average is 9) after the bite and last for months. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.