In the Netherlands, we are familiar with only one type of tick, the Ixodes Ricinus (sheep tick), which transmits Lyme disease. However, in France, this tick often transmits other diseases as well. Moreover, there are plenty of other tick species to discover in France that are also infected with various bacteria. These ticks spread diseases, making it crucial to be extra vigilant about ticks in this country.

The tick is everywhere in France

Ticks are becoming an increasingly significant problem in France. In this country, more and more people are being bitten by ticks, and the French Ministry of Health reports 5,000 to 6,000 new patients annually. The Pasteur Research Institute even indicates that 12,000 to 15,000 new cases occur each year.

Ticks can be found all over France, but the situation is particularly severe in the central and northeastern parts of the country. In the northeast, there are even ticks that cause encephalitis.

Fièvre Boutonneuse tick fever in (Southern) France

This disease has a French name for a reason, as it is common in France, especially 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. Headaches, muscle and joint pain occur, often accompanied by a drop in blood pressure and sometimes neurological abnormalities and kidney function disruption. About five to seven days after the bite, chills and fever appear. This fever can last for a few days up to two weeks. After five days, red spots appear all over the body. There is no vaccine available for this disease. Usually, an antibiotic treatment is prescribed.
Fièvre Boutonneuse is spread by the Rhipicephalus tick, which is commonly found in countries with a warm climate. These ticks survive in trees and in warm and humid environments, including indoors. They are also frequently found on rodents, antelopes, livestock, or pets.

Lyme disease in Northern France

In the north of France, they deal with the Ixodes Ricinus, just like in the Netherlands, the tick that transmits Lyme disease. The ticks hide in green areas, such as grass, trees, and shrubs. A red circular spot at the site of the tick bite is a symptom of this disease. It is possible to get an antibiotic treatment for this disease, but no vaccine exists.

Tick-borne Encephalitis / TBE in Northern and Eastern France

Encephalitis is a brain inflammation caused by a viral infection. The Ixodes Ricinus, the tick also found in the Netherlands, can be infected with the bacterium in France and transmit it to humans. From March to November, the chances of getting a tick bite are highest. Most people infected do not become seriously ill. Those who do get sick experience flu-like symptoms with a fever after seven to ten days. This disappears on its own. A small percentage develops brain inflammation one to three days after the symptoms fade. One percent dies from the consequences. 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 Ixodes Ricinus. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain. Liver function disorders also occur. The symptoms usually develop within a week after the bite and can be treated with an antibiotic.

TIBOLA

This disease is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia slovaca and is transmitted by Dermacentor ticks. The first symptom of the disease is a pimple that starts ulcerating and, after a few days, secretes yellow fluid, forming crusts. This is usually accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Often, a bald spot remains on the hairy skin. These symptoms can appear 1 to 55 days (average is 9) after the bite and can persist for months. The disease can be treated with antibiotics.

The tick while hiking in France