Warning, don't eat the blackberries you find during your walks, it's dangerous.

Wild fruit picking is an activity enjoyed by many walkers, providing a direct connection with nature and its delights. Blackberries, raspberries and other wild berries are all treasures that can be found along the way. However, this practice is not without risk. Indeed, it is possible to contract a disease called alveolar echinococcosis, or fox disease, by consuming contaminated fruit. Faced with this danger, Océane Sorel, doctor in virology and immunology, enlightens us on the precautions to take.

Alveolar echinococcosis, more commonly known as fox disease, is a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of tapeworm eggs. These microscopic eggs are found in the environment, particularly in soil, water and plants, after being disseminated by the droppings of infected foxes. When a person consumes contaminated foods, such as wild fruits, they put themselves at risk of developing the disease.

The development of alveolar echinococcosis is a slow and insidious process. The parasite will gradually form a primary lesion with a tumor appearance, generally located in the liver. Symptoms, which may appear several years after infection, include abdominal pain, weight loss and signs of liver failure. Without treatment, the disease can cause serious complications.

In a video published on her Instagram account, Océane Sorel, specialist in virology and immunology, shares her advice for protecting yourself against fox disease. If washing wild fruits and berries is a first step, the doctor emphasizes that this method is not always sufficient to eliminate tapeworm eggs, which are particularly resistant.

For optimal protection, Océane Sorel recommends carefully cooking blackberries and mushrooms collected in nature. The heat will effectively destroy parasites. She also advises fencing vegetable gardens to prevent dogs and foxes, potential carriers of the disease, from contaminating the crops. Finally, the specialist emphasizes the importance of regularly deworming pets, which can also transmit the parasite.

The after-effects of alveolar echinococcosis can be serious, even irreversible, if the disease is not diagnosed and treated in time. This is why it is crucial to follow the prevention advice provided by experts like Océane Sorel. By adopting simple actions, such as cooking wild foods and deworming animals, we considerably reduce the risk of contamination.

However, these precautions should not prevent us from enjoying the benefits of nature. Walks in the forest and the discovery of local flora remain enriching activities, as long as they are practiced in a responsible and informed manner.

Fox disease, although little known, represents a real danger for wild gathering enthusiasts. Caused by the ingestion of tapeworm eggs present in the environment, this parasitic infection can lead to serious complications if not treated in time. Thanks to the wise advice of Océane Sorel, doctor in virology and immunology, it is possible to protect yourself effectively by cooking wild foods, fencing vegetable gardens and regularly deworming pets.

When faced with nature, it is essential to remain vigilant and obtain information from experts. If in doubt about consuming wild products, do not hesitate to consult a health professional. It is by combining passion and precaution that we can serenely enjoy the treasures that nature offers us.