Chikungunya hits a 5 year old child in Gironde: why this case changes the situation
On July 2, 2025, the New Aquitaine Regional Health Agency reported a Aboriginal case of Chikungunya in Illats, in Gironde. The child concerned did not receive recently abroad, which means that the virus has been transmitted locally, probably by a tiger mosquito in the region. His state of health is deemed reassuring, and he was able to leave the hospital without complications.
This case is qualified as indigenous, that is to say that it does not result from contamination abroad, but from a local transmission of the virus on French soil. This type of case remains rare but symbolizes a worrying step: the capacity of the vector mosquito to relay the infection in mainland France.
Express demoustic and field survey: how the authorities react
As soon as confirmation of the diagnosis, a Demoustication operation was carried out on the night of June 23 to 24 in public and private spaces frequented by the child. Objective: to eliminate mosquitoes potentially carrying the virus in the immediate vicinity.
In parallel, a joint epidemiological survey with public health France and the municipality of Illats was launched. Health professionals will meet the inhabitants to identify possible new cases and disseminate the right gestures. Local medical surveillance is reinforced, with a monitoring device in surrounding medical and laboratories.
Tiger mosquito and tropical viruses: France in the face of a threat that sets in
This new indigenous case in Gironde is added to other episodes already identified this year in France: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Occitanie, Corsica and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. These events, although localized, reflect a reality now installed: the tiger mosquito is solidly established in mainland France, and with it, the risk of circulation of tropical viruses such as chikungunya or dengue.
Current climatic conditions promote the proliferation of the insect. The symptoms of chikungunya appear between 2 and 10 days after the bite and include a high feverof the Intense joint paina Marked fatigue and sometimes a rash. Although rarely fatal, the virus can have a lasting impact on quality of life, especially in the elderly or immunocompromised.
What everyone can do now to avoid propagation
The fight against the spread of chikungunya also involves individual vigilance. The health authorities insist on the importance of adopting simple but effective gestures:
- Remove all stagnant water points Around the home (pots, cups, buckets, tarpaulins, gutters …);
- Use mosquito netscarry long clothingespecially at sunrise and sunset;
- Apply skin repellents regularly ;
- Monitor the appearance of symptoms in the event of return of tropical zone or after bite;
- Note any suspicious case to a healthcare professional to allow rapid management.
The situation remains under control, but this case shows that the threat is no longer limited to tropical areas. It is now very real in France, and the mobilization of all is essential to avoid broader spread.