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Tick-borne encephalitis in France

17 July 2023

Public health authorities in France have recorded 71 cases of tick-borne encephalitis between May 2021 and May 2023. Of these cases, 61 became infected in France and 10 were infected in other countries. No deaths have been reported, although most were admitted to hospital.

Cases were reported from the following Departments: Haute-Savoie (14), Haut-Rhin (11), Bas-Rhin (10), Rhône (4), Loire (3), Ain (2), Ardèche (2), Cantal (2), Doubs (2) Puy de Dome (2), Vosges (2), Isère (1), Meurthe et Moselle (1), Marne (1), Moselle (1), Haute Saône (1),Savoie (1) Meurthe-et-Moselle or Vosges (1)

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is transmitted to humans mainly through tick bites and is widespread across northern Europe and northern Asia. Transmission can also occur through consumption of unpasteurised dairy products. Transmission occurs during 'tick season' which runs from late spring until early autumn. Symptoms can include a mild or flu-like illness, and in some cases lead to more severe neurological disease.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers to endemic areas should be aware of the types of activities that increase tick exposure, such as walking, hiking, camping, cycling or fishing in forested areas during tick season and be advised to:

  • avoid consuming unpasteurised dairy products
  • avoid tick bites by use of insect repellents and appropriate clothing (e.g. long trousers tucked into socks, closed footwear)
  • inspect their whole body for ticks daily after outdoor activities, and remove any ticks as early as possible

When to consider vaccination

Vaccination is the best preventative measure against TBE and should be considered following an individual risk assessment for:

  • travellers to endemic countries during the tick season (spring- early autumn) who plan outdoor activities in forested areas
  • those planning to reside long term or work (whereby the nature or work increases risk of exposure to ticks) in endemic areas

For further information, see the Tick-borne Encephalitis and Insect Bite Avoidance pages