2024-07-29 14:39:06
Ticks are becoming increasingly abundant in France and may be vectors of infectious diseases. In summer, we must pay attention to protect ourselves!
Global warming is causing changes in the geographical distribution of ticks, with ticks now increasingly found in our latitudes, in forests and countryside, as well as in urban and suburban green spaces.
Symptoms of tick bites such as skin inflammation, headache, and high fever may be various, and sometimes there may be sequelae. In fact, they can be vectors of serious diseases such as Lyme disease (the most common tick-borne disease in France), tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) or Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF).
Take appropriate personal protective measures from spring to fall
To best protect yourself from tick-borne diseases, it’s important to avoid tick bites when out in nature. Take the following personal protective measuresfrom spring to autumn:
Wear clothing that covers your legs and arms, preferably light-colored to better see ticks; wear closed-toe shoes and tuck your pants into socks; have a tick remover ready (available at pharmacies) or fine tweezers to quickly remove the tick if bitten; use an appropriate repellent according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
While there are tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccines for high-risk groups, the only way to prevent other tick-borne infections remains Cover clothing and apply a skin repellent effective against ticks to uncovered areas (Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully).
Take special care when returning from a walk: Check your body and your child’s health carefully
After a walk in the forest or a hike in a wooded area, especially a wet one, Remember to check your entire body as soon as possible. Ticks are small, so be sure to check your entire body, including areas with thinner skin, as tick bites are more frequent in these areas and are sometimes harder to see:
Armpits; knee creases; genitals; belly button; ear canal; neck; scalp.
Likewise, check your child carefully.
What to do if bitten by a tick?
If you find a tick on your skin, do not use any products. Instead, use a tick remover or fine tweezers to remove the tick as quickly as possible. In fact, the risk of disease transmission increases the longer the tick remains attached to the skin. If possible, take photos of the tick and bite site.
To delete them, Use tick remover (available at drugstores), gently grasp the insects as close to the skin as possible and pull them gently but firmly in a circular motion. Otherwise, fine tweezers can be used.
Once the tick is removed, Thoroughly disinfect skin Use antiseptic products.
If you are unable to remove the tick’s entire “head” the first time, do not attempt to complete the removal. Disinfect skin and seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Within 4 weeks after being bitten by a tickit is necessary to monitor possible symptoms:
A gradually broadening redness appears at the puncture site, or, conversely, a black crust appears; it may be interesting to photograph the puncture site to remember its pain, fever, or any other unusual signs.
In these cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor and report the tick bite.
Report your tick bite
Use this tool to report a tick bite (human or pet) CITIC International. Therefore, we contribute to the understanding of the disease and its prevention.
To learn more:
Read about Lyme disease
See article on Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: the right actions to protect yourself
See the health insurance article: Tick Bites and Lyme Disease Prevention: What to Do?
See the Vaccination Information Service article on tick-borne encephalitis
Please consult the Center for Reference of Tick-Related Vector Diseases (CRMVT) website
1723600728
#Lets #actions #protect #ticks #summer
