Small but formidable, mosquitoes can transmit serious illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya or Japanese encephalitis. With global warming and world exchanges, these viruses settle in areas formerly spared. Faced with these risks, prevention solutions exist, starting with those offered by Insect Ecran, specialist in anti-mosquito protection.
Vector diseases: an increasing danger in a moving world
When a mosquito stings an infected animal or human, it can ingest a virus, a parasite or a bacteria. After a few days of incubation, he in turn became a vector of the disease, which he can transmit to other individuals. These vector diseases, long confined to tropical areas, now extend to Europe and France, in particular via the Tiger mosquito (Aedes Albopictus).
In metropolitan France, this mosquito is installed permanently in more than 70 departments. He is able to transmit:
- dengue,
- Le Mkyyunka,
- and Virus Zika.
Other mosquitoes, such as those of the genus Culex, can transmit the West Nile virus … and in certain regions of Asia, a particularly serious neurological disease: Japanese encephalitis.
Japanese encephalitis: a serious but avoidable disease
Transmitted by the Culex mosquito, Japanese encephalitis is the main cause of viral encephalitis in Asia, with around 68,000 cases per year. Present especially in rural and humid areas, it remains benign in the majority of cases. But 1 in 250 people develop a serious, sometimes fatal form, often followed by heavy neurological sequelae (paralysis, cognitive disturbances, epilepsy, etc.).
The symptoms to be monitored: high fever, violent headache, stiff neck, convulsions, consciousness disorders. Pregnant children and women are particularly vulnerable.
Protect yourself effectively: the winning duo of the vaccine and anti-mosquitoes
No curative treatment exists for Japanese encephalitis. Vaccination is therefore the most reliable prevention measure, recommended for:
- prolonged stays (more than four weeks) in rural areas of Asia,
- children in two months,
- expatriates or humanitarian workers.
The vaccination scheme provides two injections at 28 days apart, to be carried out at least a month before departure.
Protection against bites: an essential gesture
Vaccinated or not, protect yourself from bites remains essential in risky areas. Insect Ecran, expert brand in repellents, offers a full range adapted to the whole family: sprays for infested areas, specific children’s formulas from 1 year or pregnant women, mosquito nets, impregnated clothes … without forgetting after-piqûres solutions to soothe the skin. Reliable and targeted protection, to take away everywhere.
The public authorities, through regional health agencies (ARS), ensure reinforced epidemiological surveillance, especially in mainland France. In the event of a reported case of dengue, chikungunya or encephalitis, targeted demoustication operations are implemented.
But the first barrier is us. Eliminate stagnant waters around its home – cups, gutters, abandoned objects – makes it possible to limit the proliferation of mosquitoes. Report any unusual presence of insects contributes to effective monitoring. Finally, when returning from a stay in risk zone, maintaining protective gestures remains essential to avoid boosting a local transmission chain.
