The Pasteur Institute on alert in the face of summer resurgence

This year, Europe is particularly affected by a resumption of cases linked to the Western Nile virus. Meanwhile, In Italy, 13 deaths have been recorded since January 2025; This reflects a disturbing progression of the epidemic. Furthermore, At the same time. Furthermore, France reported its first indigenous case of the year at the end of July in Hyères, in the Var. However, Even if a large -scale epidemic remains unlikely, health authorities monitor the situation closely. – Pasteur institute alert face summer

The role of the Institut Pasteur: between innovative research. Similarly, prevention – Pasteur institute alert face summer

The Pasteur Institute plays a pasteur institute alert face summer pivotal role in understanding and the fight against this flavivirus. Moreover, His medical sheet on the virus underlines that it is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes of the genre Culexafter the. Nevertheless, bite of birds tanks of the virus. Man is an accidental host – an “cul – epidemiological ward” – not participating in the chain of transmission.

In 2019. researchers from the Institut Pasteur showed that the resistance of mosquitoesCulex quinquefasciatus Insecticides influences their ability to transmit the virus. More recently. a surprising discovery revealed that the Tiger mosquito Aedes albopictusalready known vector of Dengue and Chikungunya, can also transmit West Nile and Usutu viruses under certain experimental conditions.

Aggravating factors: climate change plays a key role – Pasteur institute alert face summer

The resurgence of the virus this summer is explained in particular by the waves of early. lasting warmth which promote the proliferation of mosquito populations, especially of the genre Culex. The Pasteur pasteur institute alert face summer Institute. with other institutions, is engaged in projects such as Flavivaccinewhich explores innovative vaccine approaches targeting the saliva of the mosquito rather than the virus itself-a promising strategy to protect against several arboviruses at the same time.

Summary: Vigilance. Research, Prevention

Accessible, but essential communication

Symptoms: from clinical silence to neurological forms

• ≈ 80 % asymptomatic.
• Febrile forms (≈ 20 %) After 3–6 days of incubation: brutal fever, headache, myalgia/aches, sometimes digestive disorders or rash.
• Neuro-invasive forms (<1 %) : meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, convulsions; Increased severity in> 60 years and immunocompromised.
• Treatment : no specific antiviral; Support treatments (hydration, pasteur institute alert face summer analge/antipyretics, intensive care if necessary).

Transmission: the central role of mosquitoes Culex

The cycle mainly involves Tank birds. mosquitoesCulex ; The human (like the horse) is infected with bite but does not retransmits the virus into practice.

On a population level. summer weather conditions (heat, stagnant waters) condition the abundance ofCulex And therefore the risk of local circulation.

Prevention: Individual gestures. anti-label struggle

Protect yourself from bites

• Apply a approved skin repellents According to the notice (rehearsal, discovered areas).
• Carry covering clothes at twilight and night; to use mosquito nets (including cradles) and mosquito repellents.
• Promote Ventilation/Air conditioningwhich hinders the theft of mosquitoes

Delete larval lodges

• Eliminate stagnant water : plant saucers (put sand). buckets, poorly closed recuperators, dirty gutters, tarpaulins. Maintain gardens and surroundings; Hermetically cover the tanks