Active from spring through fall, ticks can transmit several pathogens that cause infectious diseases, including tick-borne encephalitis. The tick-borne encephalitis virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites during work or recreational activities in damp wooded areas, such as camping, hiking, and mushroom picking. More rarely, infection can occur through the consumption of raw milk or raw milk cheese, primarily from goats or sheep.

In response to the rise in infections across Europe, as well as the expansion of the virus’s geographic range and season of circulation, cases of tick-borne encephalitis were added to the list of notifiable diseases in 2021. The goal of this designation is to track the progression of outbreaks over time and implement appropriate public health policies. In 2024, the increase in reports mainly concerns mild forms of the disease, suggesting good awareness and acceptance of mandatory reporting by physicians and the public.
However, it remains important to further raise awareness to ensure more accurate monitoring of the TBE virus’s spread in France.

How can you protect yourself from tick bites?

Natural environments and areas with vegetation are conducive to the presence of ticks, especially during the warmer months.
To limit the risk of bites and prevent associated diseases, it is recommended to take appropriate protective measures during any outdoor activity:

Before or during high-risk activities (hiking, gardening, walking in the woods or pastures):

• Wear long sleeves and pants, wear a hat, and tuck your pant legs into your socks;

• Stay on marked trails and avoid thickets, ferns, and tall grass;

• Apply a suitable tick repellent to your skin.

After exposure:

• Carefully inspect your body for any ticks;

• If bitten, remove the tick as soon as possible using a tick remover or, if unavailable, a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.

See also:

• Advice from ‘Prudence’: the anti-tick strategy (information leaflet for children)

• Prudence’s tips: tick prevention strategies (poster for children)