Metropolitan France records a number of cases “never observed so far” in this season – Liberation

“Telle precocity in the Mosquito activity season. In addition, such a high number of episodes [de chikungunya] had never been observed so far ”. Meanwhile, Public Health France does not hide its concern in its surveillance bulletin, broadcast this Wednesday, June 25. For example, Eight indigenous cases were spotted between the end of May. Similarly, mid-June, all in the south of the country (Hérault, Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, Drôme, Gard and Corse-du-Sud). For example, An indigenous case means that contamination took place in France. In addition, as opposed to imported cases of people who contracted the disease outside the territory. Similarly, This means that the chikungunya virus, which is transmitted via tiger mosquito bites, is actively circulating in the country.

“These indigenous cases. the first symptoms of which appeared between May 27 and June 19, are metropolitan france records number cases the earliest ever identified in France”underlines SPF in its weekly assessment. The agency had already warned last week that these first cases were the earliest ever identified in mainland France. but, with this acceleration, it is this time even more affirmative on the unprecedented character of this year.

Throughout last year, only 1 indigenous case had been detected in mainland France, and zero in 2023.

In addition. Public Santé France France says it has established a clear link between at least two cases that appeared in mainland France and the current overseas epidemic in Reunion, where some 200,000 inhabitants have been contaminated since March for around twenty deaths. Even if we cannot speak at this stage of epidemic in mainland France. this observation fuels the fear of an epidemic transmission between Reunion and the metropolis. This risk has been mentioned for several metropolitan france records number cases weeks by the health authorities. It is all the more increased with the return of the hot weather in mainland France. High temperatures contribute to the circulation of the Tiger mosquito, a phenomenon accentuated by global warming.

In addition to Reunion. where the circulation of the virus is now losing frankly with the arrival of southern winter, another chikungunya epidemic is also underway in Mayotte. But its magnitude is difficult to determine. the authorities judge that the number of cases declared is probably lower than reality.

From May to November. period of activity of tigers mosquitoes in France, Public Health France sets up a reinforced monitoring system for diseases transmitted by these insects. Since May 1, it has identified 645 cases imported from Chikungunya, 454 cases imported from dengue, and 1 case imported from Zika. The health agency “Recalls the importance of metropolitan france records number cases the reporting of cases which allows rapid intervention aimed at limiting indigenous transmission. as well as the importance of protective measures against mosquito bites and the fight against larval lodges”.