Raw Milk Cheese Contamination: Disturbing Risks and Concerns
Tick-borne Encephalitis Virus Detected in French Raw Milk Products: A Growing Public Health Concern
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Paris, France – The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational health and safety (ANSES) has issued a stark warning regarding the presence of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus in raw milk products across France, a development described as “new in the country.” This alert stems from a geographical expansion of the virus and a notable increase in cases throughout Europe, impacting all known transmission routes.
The TBE virus, which primarily affects the central nervous system, can lead to severe illness. A study of 71 serious cases between 2021 and 2023 revealed that a staggering 94% required hospitalization, with 30 individuals experiencing persistent after-effects, including one of the four infected children.
Expanding Reach and Unforeseen Transmission
Historically, TBE virus infections in France were primarily linked to tick bites in specific departments. In 2020, “aboriginal” cases were reported in previously affected areas such as Haute-Savoie, Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, Loire, Ain, Puy-de-Dôme, Isère, and Savoie. Notably, the Ain department recorded an unprecedented 43 cases that year, exceeding the national total for the entire previous year. The virus has since spread to departments previously spared, predominantly in eastern France, including Rhône, Ardèche, Cantal, Doubs, Vosges, Meurthe-et-Moselle, marne, moselle, and Haute-Saône.
A significant development highlighted by ANSES is the potential for transmission through raw milk products. In the Rhône region, a rare collective foodborne illness outbreak was attributed to a fresh goat cheese made from raw milk from a local herd. Similarly, in the Ain, the 43 individuals who fell ill had all consumed raw milk goat cheese from the same farm, presenting with influenza-like symptoms or meningitis. this marks a critical shift in understanding the virus’s transmission pathways.
Enhancing Prevention and Detection strategies
In its report published on July 8th, ANSES emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between breeders and scientists to improve detection methods and mitigate the risk of infection. “Many questions remain regarding the mechanisms of circulation and transmission of the virus,” stated Elsa Quillery, co-coordinator of the report. She further stressed the importance of research into “the strains circulating in France, the risk factors for transmission, and the impact of milk components and processing methods on the persistence of infectious viruses in dairy products.” Currently, the virus is present throughout French territory, with the exception of the Mediterranean region.
Understanding TBE: Symptoms and Consequences
TBE infection can have severe neurological consequences. A significant proportion of infected individuals experience involvement of the central nervous system,with 40% of these cases developing neurological sequelae that can persist for several years. The disease can be fatal in 0.5% to 3% of cases and is a notifiable disease.
The health of infected individuals can deteriorate rapidly. Initial symptoms such as headaches, fever, and digestive issues can escalate to severe neurological complications, including loss of balance, muscle weakness, confusion, and drowsiness. ”Among symptomatic individuals, 20% to 40% exhibit meningitis-type neurological signs, which can lead to long-term consequences and loss of autonomy,” explained researcher Elsa Quillery.
While two vaccines are available to prevent TBE infection, the French High Authority for Health (HAS) currently recommends them only for individuals traveling to countries with a substantially higher incidence of the disease. The evolving landscape of TBE transmission in France necessitates a re-evaluation of these recommendations and a proactive approach to public health.