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For anyone who loves outdoor sports and activities such as hiking, climbing, camping, cycling, mountain biking etc, check out the website Tickalert.org! It has the “TBE Travel Check” tool which helps travellers/backpackers to find out if they might at risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis because of where they are going and outdoor activities planned.
TBE is transmitted within minutes from the bite of an infected tick and causes an average of 13,000 cases needing hospital treatment in Europe and Russia every year. Up to 30% of patients suffer meningitis and in extreme cases it leads to encephalitis (brain swelling) and inflammation of the spinal cord.
Just for info, this isn't a significant problem in the French Alps so far. Having worked as a bike guide for 6 years now, I'm yet to encounter a tick (or have a client report one) in our area (Tarentaise valley).
The info in the site suggested above appears to confirm this.
So, important to be aware, but don't stress too much.