Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is circulating in Corsica, ARB issues recommendations

According to a study conducted by the University of Corte, the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is circulating on the island’s farms. This disease can potentially be transmitted to humans. The Regional Health Agency of Corsica recalls a number of recommendations for protection against ticks, parasites that transmit pathology.

The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus was discovered in Corsica.

This was reported by Le Point on Wednesday, April 24.

After the Eastern Pyrenees, this tick-borne disease is now circulating on the island’s farms, as evidenced by research carried out by the team of Alessandra Falchi from the University of Corte.

The discovery was published in the American journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CFC), the US federal agency responsible for protecting public health.

“We have identified the African CCHFV genotype I. [Ndlr : le virus de la fièvre hémorragique de Crimée-Congo] in ticks collected from cattle at two different locations in south-east and central-west Corsica, indicating established circulation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.the researchers report in a summary of this study.

They are also concerned about the possible spread of: “The threat of the possible spread and continued circulation of the virus in Western Europe should not be ignored. Health care workers and other risk groups, including hunters and farmers, should be informed about the circulation of the virus. CCHFV in Corsica.”

Following the publication of the Point article, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Corsica, in a press release dated April 24, reports that “The presence of the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus has been known in Corsica for several years in cattle.”. And add: “What is new is the discovery of the disease in ticks and insect vectors, making the disease potentially transmissible to humans.”

What happens if the virus is transmitted to humans? According to the Pasteur Institute, “Although infection with the virus usually causes relatively mild symptoms, the disease can also progress to severe forms where multiple hemorrhages and failure of vital organs lead to the death of the infected person.”

Faced with these risks, ARS announced that as of last March “has increased awareness among health care providers and elected officials of this health risk through its Health and Territories newsletter.”

The presence of the virus in four regions, including Corsica, led to a call to the National Agency for Health Security (ANSES) and the High Council of Public Health (HCSP), which published their findings.

Thus, for ANSES “Since the circulation of CCHFV in France (in some departments of the Mediterranean) has been proven, an autochthonous human case of CCHF may occur in France due to vector transmission, as well as infection with the blood or tissues of viremic animals.

However, the agency notes that “The assessments made in this review and the responses presented in this opinion represent a high level of uncertainty due to the limited amount of scientific knowledge and research available.”

“Prevention messages are completed at the national level for the general public and at-risk groups (occupational risk)”, reports ARS. Meanwhile, the message from health authorities concerns “A reminder of general best practices for protecting yourself from ticks, which transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease.”

While walking in the forest, bush or when you spend time in the garden:

• wear closed shoes and light-colored, covering clothing (to better detect ticks on the surface of the fabric)
• Avoid walking through tall grass, bushes and low branches and use marked trails.
• check yourself after returning from walks and gardening
• In case of a bite, immediately remove attached ticks using a tick remover or fine tweezers (never use ether or any other product) and disinfect the wound
• Monitor the bite site for several days and see a doctor if you experience symptoms (fever, fatigue, redness).
• Use repellents when necessary, preferring those that have a marketing authorization, and following their terms of use.
• Additionally, information will be provided to health care providers during the opening of the arbovirus (insect bite-borne viruses) surveillance season in early May.