The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus was discovered in Corsica. This virus, close to Ebola, would have infected ticks of the Hyalomma marginatum species imported by migratory birds from Africa, reports Point based on the scientific journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
A risk of transmission to humans
The information was confirmed by the Regional health Agency (ARS) in Corsica on April 24, 2024. “The presence of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus has been known in Corsica for several years in cattle”indicated the agency in a press release relayed by TF1 info . “What is new is the detection of the disease in ticks, insect vectors and therefore making the disease potentially transmissible to humans”specified the health authority.
The authors of the scientific study estimated that a “expansion and continued circulation of the virus in Western Europe” was possible and it was therefore appropriate to alert the most exposed people of the situation, i.e. “health professionals […] hunters and farmers ». The ARS, for its part, assured that it had accomplished this information work with caregivers and local elected officials.
Awareness messages to come
The agency recalled that the presence of the virus had been detected in a total of four French regions and that prevention messages at public level were being created. They will be aimed at the general public as well as people at risk. If the danger of transmission to humans remains, for the moment, still very rare, the ARS has nevertheless reminded the behaviors to adopt to protect yourself from ticks. These can transmit other diseases, including Lyme disease.
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When going out in the forest, in the scrub or in a garden, it is advisable to wear closed shoes and light-colored covering clothing, to preferably take marked paths and to stay away “tall grass, bushes and low branches”, detailed the ARS. In the event of a bite, you must use a tick remover or fine tweezers to remove the mite, disinfect the wound and then monitor its state of health.
