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Twelve chikungunya transmission homes were identified in France.
Health – Twelve chikungunya transmission homes identified in France, for around thirty cases in total. It is the France Public Health assessment, which warns that this upward trend may continue. “Other cases will probably be identified, including outside the usual transmission areas”, warns the public health agency in a weekly assessment.
This level, exceptionally high in France, is explained by an overseas epidemic which has struck the meeting and Mayotte in recent months, as well as by strong heat. The virus is transmitted via tiger mosquito bites and causes high fevers as well as muscle pain.
Appeared in mainland France in 2004, the Tiger mosquito continues its expansion on the territory: early 2025, it was located in 81 departments, or 84 % of metropolitan departments, according to data disseminated in mid-May by public health France.
Clear and loose clothes
Transmitted by the bites of mosquito females, chikungunya generally has no serious consequences. But it can be dangerous for certain risky populations, such as newborns. To protect yourself as well as possible, Public Health France recommends carrying ” Long, loose, clear clothes, covering the arms and legs, especially in the morning and at the end of the day, when the mosquitoes are active ». They decrease visual and thermal attractiveness for mosquitoes and insects in general.
At the individual level, it is also recommended to apply an effective skin repellent (Deet, Icaridine or IR3535 according to the formulations available), respecting the indications for use on pregnant children or women. Protection generally lasts between 4 and 8 hours, according to the Regional Health Agency of Reunion. You can also install a mosquito net around the beds and grids or mosquito nets with windows and doors.
Anti-mosquito repellents (Serpentines to burn, electric diffusers or snowshoes) can be used, inside or outside, depending on the ventilation and secure use instructions. You can also create an air flow with a fan or use air conditioning if possible, because mosquitoes do not support fresh environments well.
No stagnant water containers
To reduce the development of larvae, the Ministry of Health recommends emptying all containers of stagnant water, in particular the cups of flower pots, watering cans, gutters, buckets, tires, etc. And to cover rainwater receptacles, especially during strong precipitation.
After a stay in an area at risk (such as Reunion or Mayotte), the ministry suggests monitoring symptoms for at least 15 days after return: fever, joint or muscle pain, fatigue, rash, sometimes conjunctivitis or nausea. In case of symptoms, consult a doctor quickly, specifying your trip.
Public Health France indicates that two vaccines recently obtained a European marketing authorization: the IXCHIQ vaccine of the Valneva laboratory and the Vimkunya vaccine of the Bavarian Nordic laboratory. The High Authority for Health (HAS) currently recommends the use of IXCHIQ in an epidemic context (Reunion, Mayotte) only for people aged 18 to 64 with comorbidities, as well as for exposed professionals (antivectoral wrestling agents). Vimkunya is the subject of an examination under way by HAS.