Since May, Public Health France has recorded 382 confirmed cases in Chikungunya, in 38 cities in France. A historic record, marked by a very strong increase in cases this year. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur concentrates the most marked homes, with 71 cases in Antibes, 51 in Fréjus and 46 in Vitrolles, but it was Bergerac, in Dordogne, who created the surprise with 54 cases identified, revealing the rapid implantation of the mosquito in new regions.
A mosquito that colonizes more territories … and longer
The expansion Aedes Albopictus continues to progress towards the north and east. Departments formerly spared, such as in Burgundy-Franche-Comté or in the Grand-Est, now signal the presence of the mosquito. Not only geographical, the presence of the mosquito-tiger “also extends over time.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek underlines: “The tiger mosquito (Aedes Albopictus) remains actively present in France until the fall, with a risk period which now often extends from May to November “.
This adaptability explains why households appear in areas that have never been affected before.
Climate, urbanization and imported homes, the perfect cocktail
Scientists explain this situation by a combination of factors. First, the weather: prolonged heat episodes accelerate the reproduction cycle of mosquitoes.
Then, urbanization: the mosquito is easily installed in inhabited areas, taking advantage of stagnant waters and gardens. Finally, importing cases from abroad, especially from Reunion where an epidemic is rampant, feeds local transmission.
“Out of 90% of the metropolitan territory, the increase is further increased under the effect of global warming and its adaptation to urban environments” confirms Dr. Kierzek.
According to him, even in October, the insect continues to be active “And can survive a good part of winter in the egg.”
How to protect yourself in the face of a lasting threat
“”The fight against the tiger mosquito remains essential in autumn, because it transmits serious illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, whose indigenous cases now settle in France “recalls the doctor.
It recalls the importance of maintaining simple but effective gestures:
- Empty the stagnant waters (saucers, tires, watering cans, cans, water recuperators). A few milliliters are enough for the laying of hundreds of eggs;
- Cover the water reserves, clean the gutters, treat the ponds and basins;
- Wear long, loose and clear clothes during temperate days in autumn;
- Use approved repellents and protect homes (mosquito nets, closed windows in the evening).
While the tiger mosquito is settled in France permanently, these prevention reflexes become essential to slow down the spread of diseases it conveys.