This is a very small insect, not very cute. And this time he is even a dangerous parasite. Her name ? The mite Hyalomma Marginatum, published by the Point website. The small species “traveled” thanks to migratory birds from Africa.
According to the newspaper’s website, the mite was originally discovered on several livestock farms in Spain and southwest France. Because now the insect has moved and has also been found in Corsica, claims a study by scientists from the University of Corte, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a specialized journal in the United States published, among other things, by the federal public health agency. .
The problem is not their presence, but the virus they carry with them. These ticks are carriers of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). And traces of this virus were recently discovered on the Island of Beauty, confirms a study from the University of Corte, transmitted by our colleagues from Corse-Matin. Scientists are concerned about the spread of the pathogen. “The threat of the possible spread and continued circulation of the virus in Western Europe cannot be ignored.“.
What are the health risks?
Humans are often infected with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.”asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic (with very few symptoms)“Assures the website of Public Health France. The Point website that the risk of contracting the disease in humans is considered low. With the exception of Spain, where the virus has been circulating for a long time, cases of the disease are being observed.”About 2 or 3 cases are reported annually with a mortality rate of about 30%.“, emphasizes the director of research at the Pasteur Institute at the Point, clarifying that it is possible that more people became infected without developing symptoms.
How to get infected with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever?
Thus, in cattle, the virus is transmitted through the bite of the Hyalomma marginatum tick. The small insect feeds on the animal’s blood and therefore transmits CCHF. “The virus is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected adult Hyalomma tick. Transmission to humans is also possible through direct contact with the blood or biological fluids of an infected animal or person (during a short period of circulation of the virus in the blood).”details on the French public health website.
Last October, the organization assured that “To date, not a single autochthonous case (infection acquired in France) has been identified in people in France.According to the latest information, this is still happening today.
What are the symptoms of CCHF?
As stated earlier, “in humans it is often asymptomatic. In most cases, the person does not realize that they have become infected. However, the French public health website reports that people have the disease.”usually limited to influenza syndrome with digestive disorders. In some cases, however, it can worsen and lead to hemorrhagic syndrome (potentially severe bleeding) with a risk of death of up to 30% in some countries. Treatment of CCHF is mainly based on symptomatic treatment in a hospital setting.“.
Global warming contributes to the spread
According to a study from the University of Corte, if the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is now present on the Island of Beauty, it may also be present on the Mediterranean coast. Namely in the departments of Aude, Hérault, Gard, Ardèche, as well as Var and Alpes-Maritimes. Reason? The climate is especially dry and hot. And with global warming, the spread of this fever in France may become even more widespread.
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