Health experts issue France travel warning amid TBE outbreak across country

A travel warning has been issued to British holidaymakers heading to France this summer following dozens of cases of a tick-borne infection.More than 70 cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) have been reported across the country by French health officials, with 61 of these cases coming from directly within France.Due to France being a hugely popular holiday destination in summer, people have been advised to be aware of the symptoms of TBE before travelling, and how to avoid it in the first instance.Health experts at Now Patient have explained what tick-borne encephalitis is, as well as the most common symptoms and what you should do if you think you have the infection.Read on below to find out more.Tick-borne encephalitis is an infection that mainly hits the central nervous system of the body, and is spread by getting bit by a tick - given its name.The ticks that cause the infection tend to burrow in high, grassy areas, and humid patches of woodland across France and much of Europe - including the UK.A very small number of ticks in Britain carry this virus, so it is of very little risk to people living in the UK.According to health experts, the main symptoms of TBE include:Aches and painsNauseaHigh temperatureHeadacheFatigueFirstly, using a pair of tweezers or a tick removal tool, grab the tick as close as possible to the surface of your skin and pull the tick upwards slowly but firmly.After the tick has been unstuck from your body, make sure no remaining parts of the tick are in your skin as this can lead to infection.

Dispose of the tick when it has been removed and then clean the infected area with antiseptic or soap and water.Navin Khosla, a pharmacist at Now Patient has shared the importance of knowing the main