From May 25 to 31, 2026, the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital (CHU) is taking part in the 4th edition of “Ticks & You,” the national awareness week on tick-borne diseases, led by the Reference and Competence Centers for Tick-Borne Diseases (CR/CMVT), in partnership with CiTIQUE. On this occasion, the CHU’s Reference Center for Tick-Borne Diseases (CRMVT) is organizing several events open to all to inform the public, encourage discussion, and raise awareness about ticks and the diseases they can transmit.
Intended for the general public, this week aims to provide a better understanding of what ticks are, how to protect oneself from them, and which signs should prompt a medical consultation after a bite, through clear, accessible, and scientifically validated information:
- to better understand ticks,
- to learn how to protect oneself,
- to recognize the signs that should lead to seeking medical advice after a bite,
- and to contribute to a better understanding of tick-borne diseases.
Through a comprehensive programme, the CRMVT teams at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital will carry out activities across the Puy-de-Dôme department to disseminate prevention measures, help identify early clinical signs, and share the latest scientific and medical knowledge.
A particularly exposed region
In the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, ticks are common in the environment and can sometimes be difficult to detect. Rich in forested areas, the region—apart from high mountain zones and the Rhône Valley—provides favourable conditions for their presence. They bite in order to feed and can transmit diseases to both animals and humans.
In France, Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne disease, with an incidence of 53 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024 (i.e. around 50,000 new cases per year). The majority of cases are cutaneous (erythema migrans). While this incidence has remained stable since 2022, regional disparities persist, with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes being one of the most affected regions.
The week’s programme in the department
In the Puy-de-Dôme, several events are being organised to engage with the public and encourage exchanges with experts:
- Exhibitions and educational activities
- Public conference
- “Tick walks” (Rando-tiques), to learn how to protect oneself in a natural environment
Participation is open and free of charge (except for the walk, which requires mandatory registration). Registration for the “tick walk”: 04 73 75 43 73
Throughout the week, experts, scientists and healthcare professionals will be mobilised to share their knowledge, answer questions from the public and present the latest recommendations, including those issued by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) in 2025 on the management of tick-borne diseases.
The national CiTIQUE programme will also provide insight into citizen science, highlighting the importance of collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals and the public. This week is part of a comprehensive health approach based on the “One Health” concept, which recognises the interconnections between humans, animals and the environment.
