FRANCE has issued an urgent holiday warning to Brit tourists as cases of a deadly disease hit new highs in the country.
Holidaymakers are being told to watch out for tick-borne encephalitis – which can lead to meningitis.
GettyHolidaymakers are being told to watch out for tick-borne encephalitis[/caption]
The rare but potentially fatal disease currently has a 94 per cent hospitalisation rate in France, health chiefs warned.
Some 61 cases were found to have been caught in France – and those travelling to the country for their summer holidays have been told to take action by Public Health France.
The Auvergne-Rhône Alpes region is facing a surge in cases – with the Haute-Savoie area of the Alps now reporting the highest number of cases in the last two years.
Cases are also now being reported in the region of Ardèche.
More than a third of cases in the two years up to May this year resulted in meningitis, France’s health body said.
No deaths have been reported.
Tick-borne encephalitis is transmitted through bites – often in humid wooded areas while tourists are camping or hiking.
It’s a nasty infection that affects the central nervous system – and 40 per cent of people experience long-term neurological effects lasting several years.
Tick-borne encephalitis has an incubation period of up to two weeks and the flu-like symptoms can begin suddenly – such as aches and pains, high temperatures, headache and tiredness.
It can then develop into a more serious condition – with symptoms of meningitis, such as a stiff neck, seizures or drowsiness.
Public Health France has urged the public to carefully inspect their bodies after walking in rural areas or woodlands – and cover up with protecting clothing to help prevent tick bites.
Other tips include staying on paths and avoiding tall grass, use skin repellents and wear long trousers.
In the event of a bite, the tick should be removed as quickly as possible – with a pair of tweezers if needed – and then clean the bite with antiseptic.
Although vaccination is not yet recommended in France, tourists can consider having a vaccine where the infection is common.
It involves two injections – which provide protection for about a year.
A third infection can offer protection for about three years – and you should have the first jab at least one month before travelling.
The NHS advises that the risk of getting tick-borne encephalitis is very low.
The vaccine is not available on the NHS and costs £65 per injection.