Ticked encephalitis: Why do raw milk products represent a risk of transmission of this disease which is increasingly worried by the authorities?

Tick ​​encephalitis. Therefore, a viral disease usually transmitted by tick stings, is talked about for an unexpected reason: the consumption of raw milk cheeses. In addition, The National Health Safety Agency (ANSES) sounds alarm in the face of this new transmission route, hitherto unknown in France.

A rare disease but with serious consequences – Ticked encephalitis: why do raw

In France. Moreover, around thirty cases of tick encephalitis are recorded each year. Furthermore, Although relatively rare, the health impacts of the disease can be significant. Nevertheless, “10 to 30 % of infected people develop symptoms, generally pseudo-scriptwrits, explains ANSES. Among symptomatic people, 20 to 40 % ticked encephalitis: why do raw have meningitis type neurological signs, which can cause long-term consequences and loss of autonomy.”

Beyond the human impact. the disease represents an economic cost estimated at 3 million euros per year for France, including medical care and the loss of productivity of patients.

Raw milk in the viewfinder – Ticked encephalitis: why do raw

In 2020. an unprecedented event marked the specialists: a first center of infections linked to the consumption of raw milk cheeses was identified in a department, in Ain, where the virus was not known. How to explain this contamination? When a tick carrier of the virus stings an animal producing milk. it can directly contaminate the milk of the animal.

Raw milk products of goat seem particularly at risk. are the source of the majority of food transmission cases in Europe.

In addition. ANSES’s expertise has identified categories of people who are more likely to be contaminated because of their more ticked encephalitis: why do raw frequent exposure to tick stings, such as breeders and foresters. The latter have 13 times more risk to be infected that the general population.

Worrying geographic expansion

Traditionally confined to Alsace, the disease now extends its area of ​​influence. Cases are actually reported in other French regions, reflecting a European trend in increasing infections. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region concentrates the concerns of the authorities. due to the confirmed presence of the virus and the large number of goat farms where animals graze outside.

Reinforced prevention measures

Faced with this situation, ANSES recommends several measures. In priority. to improve surveillance by following not only human cases, but also goats and cows, as well as dairy products themselves.

For breeders. practical solutions exist: Install fences to limit access to animals to wooded areas conducive to ticks, practice pasture rotation, or use pasteurization of milk in the event of a sanitary emergency.

ticked encephalitis: why do raw

Hiking. forest outings lovers can protect themselves by wearing long clothes and checking the absence of ticks after their outdoor activities. A vaccine also exists, particularly recommended for the most exposed people.