Brutal fever, articular pain, eruptions: chikungunya is no longer a distant tropical disease. In mainland France, two cases unrelated to a trip have just been identified in a week. Reinforced monitoring is underway, in parallel with the actions carried out in the ultramarine territories where the virus is actively circulating.
Two indigenous cases in one week: the alert is confirmed
It is now official: a case of local transmission of the Chikungunya virus has been detected in Prades-le-Lez, in Hérault, in a person who has not traveled in tropical zone. This is the first indigenous case in Occitania this yearAnd of the second in mainland Franceonly a few days after a first report in the Var, in Cuers, on June 13.
In its press release, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) Occitanie specifies that “The health of the sick person does not inspire concern“. But the concern relates to the capacity of the tiger mosquito (aedes albopictus) to locally spread the disease after having contracted it with a contaminated traveler. Since May 1, 59 cases imported from chikungunya have already been reported in Occitania.
Sometimes disabling symptoms
Chikungunya generally manifests itself in a brutal feveroften accompanied by Intense joint painsometimes disabling, as well as a conjunctivitisd ‘Skin rashesand sometimes headache or nausea. Although rarely fatal, the disease can cause persistent fatigue for several weeks, even several months.
A case is said to be “indigenous” when the sick person did not trace within 15 days preceding the appearance of symptoms In an area where the virus is actively circulating. This means that the transmission took place locally, via a mosquito carrying the virus.
Good reflexes to curb the propagation
Preventive actions were immediately undertaken in Prades-le-Lez. They include Entomological surveysof the Targeted Demoustication Operationsthere Active search for other cases and the awareness of health professionals in reporting. The residents concerned are informed upstream and invited to collaborate with the teams in the field.
The health authorities recommend protect yourself from mosquito bites : repellents, long clothes, mosquito nets for babies and bedridden people. But above all, everyone can act by limiting laying places:
- Eliminate stagnant waters (saucers, gutters, cans)
- Change plant water at least once a week
- Water reservoirs And maintain your garden (brushcutting, collection of plant waste)
According to Public Santé France, the epidemic is still active in several ultramarine territories, notably Guyana where cases are reported each week. In Martinique and Guadeloupe, the situation remains under close surveillance, the climatic conditions and the presence of the tiger mosquito being favorable.