The Regional Health Agency (ARS) reported a case of dengue virus transmission in a person who hadn’t recently traveled to an area with active dengue circulation.
“The patient received care and their current health condition is not a cause for concern,” the ARS stated in a press release issued on Monday midday.
In response to this case of locally acquired dengue fever, “preventive measures are being implemented in Montpellier (Port Marianne) and Pérols (Old Center/Cemetery)” to prevent the virus’s spread.
Dengue fever is generally a mild illness with flu-like symptoms (high fever, joint pain, severe headaches) that can temporarily impair a person’s ability to function.
Transmitted by the tiger mosquito
This disease is spread through the bite of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) previously infected with the virus from a sick person. A case is considered “autochthonous” when a person contracts the disease without having traveled to an area where the virus is circulating within the 15 days prior to the onset of symptoms.
This case of locally contracted dengue fever is the first recorded in metropolitan France this season. During the entire tiger mosquito surveillance season in 2023, Occitanie recorded 22 cases of indigenous dengue fever.
If you experience symptoms suggestive of dengue fever and have recently stayed or participated in outdoor activities in the Port Marianne area of Montpellier or the area between the old town center and the cemetery in Pérols, consult your doctor.
To prevent the potential spread of the virus, enhanced prevention measures are being implemented in the two areas frequented by the patient (Marianne port sector in Montpellier and the district located between the old town and the cemetery in Pérols). These measures involve the collaboration of the State, ARS Occitanie, Public Health France, local healthcare professionals, and the mosquito control operator. They include:
- Targeted mosquito control actions to eliminate larval breeding grounds and adult mosquitoes in the areas where the patient lives and travels. Local residents will be notified in advance. This operation will begin early next week.
- Raising awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the reporting of new dengue fever cases to the ARS. This action was carried out on July 5.
- A proximity survey to identify any other sick individuals in potential transmission areas.
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First Indigenous Case of Dengue Fever in Metropolitan France this Season
A case of dengue fever transmission in a person who had not recently travelled to an area where the virus was circulating has been reported to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) in France. This is the first instance of indigenous dengue fever in Metropolitan France this season. The patient, whose health is not a cause for concern, was taken care of immediately.
“The sick person was taken care of and his state of health does not give rise to concern,” the ARS indicated in a press release on Monday midday.
To prevent the spread of the virus locally, the ARS has deployed preventive actions in Montpellier (Port Marianne) and Pérols (Old Center/Cemetery) where the patient was likely exposed.
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a generally benign disease with symptoms similar to the flu, including high fever, joint pain, and severe headaches. While it can be temporarily disabling, most cases resolve on their own.
Transmission via Tiger Mosquito
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which becomes infected with the virus following biting an already sick person. The case reported is “autochthonous” because the person contracted the disease without having travelled to an area where the virus was widespread within the 15 days leading up to the onset of symptoms.
This case comes following 22 cases of indigenous dengue fever were reported in Occitanie, France, during the entire tiger mosquito surveillance season of 2023.
What to Do if You Experience Symptoms
If you experience signs suggestive of dengue fever, particularly if you have been in the Port Marianne area of Montpellier or the district between the old town center and the cemetery in Pérols, consult your doctor immediately. The ARS recommends prompt medical attention for any suspected case.
Reinforced Prevention Measures
To prevent a possible spread of the virus, reinforced prevention measures are being implemented in the areas frequented by the sick person. These measures involve collaboration among the State, ARS Occitanie, Public Health France, local health professionals, and the mosquito control operator, resulting in:
- Targeted Mosquito Control: A focused effort to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and adult mosquitoes in the areas where the sick person resided and traveled. This operation will take place early in the week, with local residents being informed beforehand.
- Healthcare Professional Awareness: An urgent action carried out on July 5 to raise awareness among healthcare professionals regarding reporting new cases of dengue fever to the ARS.
- Proximity Survey: A survey in potential transmission areas to identify any other sick individuals.
Importance of Staying Vigilant
This recent case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance regarding dengue fever, particularly with the increasing presence of the tiger mosquito in Europe. It underscores the need for continued prevention efforts to safeguard public health. Remember, by taking preventative measures and seeking medical attention when necessary, we can slow down the spread of dengue fever.
Protecting Yourself From Mosquito Bites
Here are some practical tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- **Use mosquito repellent:** Apply DEET-containing repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Other effective repellents include picaridin, IR3535, and lemon eucalyptus oil.
- **Wear protective clothing:** Cover your skin with long sleeves, pants, and socks, especially during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk).
- **Eliminate breeding grounds:** Eliminate standing water in your yard, such as flower pots, birdbaths, and discarded tires.
- **Install screens on windows and doors:** This will help prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Use mosquito nets: When sleeping outdoors or in areas with high mosquito populations, use a mosquito net.
Dengue Fever: Key facts
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Transmission: | Bite of infected Aedes albopictus mosquito (tiger mosquito) |
| Symptoms: | High fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rash |
| Severity: | Can range from mild to severe, sometimes leading to complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) |
| Treatment: | No specific antiviral treatment, focus on supportive care and symptom management |
| Prevention: | Mosquito control, personal protection measures, vaccines in development |
Stay Informed and Be Prepared
Staying informed and taking preventative measures are crucial in preventing outbreaks and ensuring public health. Follow local health advisories, speak to your healthcare provider for advice, and continue practicing safe mosquito bite prevention techniques.
