Lyme disease: 33,200 people affected by the disease in France in 2015
Lyme disease is an infectious, non-contagious illness caused by a bacterium transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks are widespread throughout France and live in wooded and damp areas, tall grass in meadows, and forest and urban parks. They are most active between April and November.
In France, in 2015, an estimated 33,202 people were affected by the disease (Sentinelles network). At the regional level, there is significant variation: the east and the center are the regions with the highest estimated number of cases, while the west and the Mediterranean south have the lowest.
To carry out its mission of monitoring Lyme borreliosis, Santé publique France relies on the Sentinelles network, the National Reference Center for Borrelia, and regional studies.
A national plan to combat Lyme borreliosis and other tick-borne diseases was presented on September 29 by Marisol Touraine, Minister of Health, to expand knowledge of tick-borne diseases in order to improve control measures and patient care, but also to implement immediate and concrete measures regarding prevention, diagnosis, and care to meet patients’ needs.
Learn more about surveillance data and disease prevention:
Lyme disease, 2016 brochure - "Vector-borne diseases: know them to protect yourself" (brochure for the general public)
Prevention of Lyme disease - guidelines for your practice (intended for healthcare professionals)
