New map shows where ticks are prevalent in France

A new map showing where you are most likely to be bitten by a disease-carrying tick in France has been published following new analysis by an anti-tick monitoring programme.

CiTIQUE is a collaborative effort between scientists at national health agency Anses, agriculture and food research institute INRAE, and the Université de Lorraine. It invites members of the public to report ticks and bites, and where possible to send them the ticks, to enable further analysis on their patterns.

Ticks can be dangerous because they can carry diseases, including Lyme, which can cause long-term fatigue, headaches, fever, and muscle and joint pain. Most ticks are not dangerous, but increasing percentages of them do carry one or several pathogens.

The new map has been published following analysis of all the ticks sent to CiTIQUE between 2017 and 2019.

It shows that 27% of the ticks analysed carried at least one pathogen, and 4.5% carried at least two.

The results also show that:

• 94% of ticks analysed were Ixodes ricinus (also known as the ‘sheep tick’)

• Of these, 15.4% carried the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease

• 7.1% carried the bacteria responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis (an infection that can cause headaches, fever, muscle pain and nausea)

• 2.9% carried the bacteria for neoehrlichiosis (a disease that causes fever, chills, and thrombosis)

• 1.3% carried the bacteria for babesiosis (a blood cell disease that can cause fever, fatigue, chills, sweating, and anaemia).

“The maps that have been produced provide support for public health policies on managing tick-related risks. They will also benefit healthcare professionals, who will thus gain a better understanding of the pathogens circulating in their area,” said INRAE in a statement.

The map also helps to inform the public of where ticks are most prevalent, and the percentage that carry diseases.

The map below was created with the data collected by Anses via CiTIQUE. 

The legend reads:

• Blue: No pathogens identified in the tick

• Red: At least one pathogen identified in the tick

The map shows the data from reports sent to CiTIQUE, and does not show a full picture of every bite.

How to avoid tick bites

Ticks live in wooded, green areas, especially in areas of shade and damp, such as under trees or around stone walls. 

If you are planning a hike or picnic in a wooded area or forest, you are advised to prepare before going out, states public health association Santé publique France. 

It recommends:

• Wearing a hat to protect against ticks falling from trees

• Tuck your trousers into your socks to avoid ticks climbing up from the ankles

• Wear long-sleeve tops and long trousers

• Stay on paths and avoid going into long grass

• Spray anti-tick and anti-insect repellent on your clothes and skin

It is estimated that between 30-50% of tick bites occur in gardens and countryside parks, not only in wild forests.

After you return from spending time outdoors, you are advised to check for ticks. The forestry office l'Office national des forêts recommends:

• Inspect your body in detail, especially in skin folds and creases

• Check your scalp, behind your ears and neck

Pets can also be affected, so be sure to brush them or de-tick them after they come indoors, too.

Tumble dry clothes after washing for at least an hour, as ticks do not like dry heat.

What if you suspect a bite?

The Assurance maladie website Ameli recommends:

• Taking out the tick as soon as possible. Use a tick removal device (un tire-tique in French) to get hold of the tick and pull it out, without crushing it

• If in doubt, ask for advice at a pharmacy or GP office

• After taking out the tick, disinfect the area and keep watch on the area for the next month

• Report the bite at the CiTIQUE website or via the app 

Ameli adds: “If you see a red rash or inflammation start to spread, between three and 30 days after the bite, you should see a doctor, as it could be an ‘erythema migrans’ (rash), which is an early symptom of Lyme disease.” 

The rash is usually circular and red, sometimes with a white area in the middle, in the form of a ‘bull’s eye’ pattern.

If caught early, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics.