“In the Gard, in the town of Poulx, an Aboriginal case of Chikungunya has been confirmed, and several suspicious cases are being invested. The state of health of sick persons is not concerned. Preventive actions are already deployed on the potential places of transmission to avoid the propagation of the virus locally”announces ARS Occitanie (Regional Health Agency).
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of a tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) infected. It is most often manifested by a fever of sudden appearance, often accompanied by intense joint pain, and rash. We speak of indigenous cases when a person contracts the disease without having stayed in an area where the virus is actively circulating within two weeks preceding the symptoms. Since May 1 in Occitania, 70 cases imported from dengue, 89 cases imported from Chikungunya and a case of Zika have been reported to the ARS. Eleven Aboriginal cases of chikungunya have been confirmed.
In order to avoid propagation of the virus at the local level, immediate preventive measures have been deployed around the potential areas of transmission in the town of Poulx. The investigations are currently continuing and a door-to-door operation will be organized next week to identify possible new cases. Other places of potential transmission could be the subject of prevention actions according to the evolution of the current survey. These actions are coordinated by the State services, ARS Occitanie, Public Health France and Altopicus, the ARS demustic operator, in connection with health professionals in the territory.
They include in particular: entomological surveys to identify the presence of tiger mosquitoes around places of passage of the sick person, targeted demospecting operations, aimed at eliminating larval lodges and adult mosquitoes in the sectors concerned. Local residents are informed upstream of these interventions. Reinforced awareness of the population around the areas concerned, carried out jointly by Public Health France and ARS. A awareness of local health professionals to strengthen the reporting of any new suspicious case.
How to fight?
The fight against the tiger mosquito – potential vector of diseases, is based on the mobilization of each and the adoption of good reflexes to eliminate mosquito larvae. Eliminate the places where water can stagnate. Change the water from plants and flowers at least once a week or, if possible, remove or fill with sand with flower jars. Check the right flow of water and clean regularly: gutters, looks, gutters. Cover the water tanks (water cans, tanks, pools) with a mosquito net or a simple fabric, cover small pools out of use. Eliminate the resting places of adult mosquitoes: brushcutter and cut high herbs and hedges, picking up the fallen fruits and plant debris, reducing sources of humidity …
