The tick Hyalomma marginatum, present in the south of France and Corsica, can transmit the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus to humans. For the moment, no human case has been diagnosed in our territory but the risk exists, because in October 2023, for the first time in France, this virus was detected in ticks collected from cattle in the Pyrénées-Orientales and in Corsica.
How to recognize these ticks?
The tick Hyalomma marginatum is larger than the other species found in France. Its legs are striped and it can reach 8 mm as an adult. It can be found in Corsica and throughout the French Mediterranean coast: Pyrénées-Orientales, Aude, Hérault, Gard, Ardèche, Drôme, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-Maritimes.
What are the risks ?
In humans, CCHF can cause fever, chills, digestive problems and, in rare cases, severe forms with uncontrolled bleeding. As the summer season approaches, it is important to remember preventive measures.
How to protect yourself?
To avoid tick bites, it is important to take individual protection measures in spring and summer, when you are in places particularly at risk of ticks such as dry areas of scrubland and scrubland, pastures, hiking trails, fields, crops, orchards, vineyards, etc. It is therefore recommended to:
- Wear clothing covering your legs and arms, preferably light colored to better see the tick;
- Wear closed shoes;
- Regularly inspect your body and that of your children;
- Have a tick remover or fine tweezers to remove the tick quickly in the event of a bite.
It should be noted that since skin repellents have limited effectiveness, their use should not replace other preventive measures.
What to do in case of a bite?
If you are bitten by a tick, you must first remove it quickly with a tick remover or fine tweezers and disinfect the bite site. You should then, if possible, photograph the tick. If you experience symptoms within 14 days of the bite, you should consult a doctor, indicating that you have been bitten by a tick and showing the photo.
