2024-08-13 14:24:56
August 13, 2024
Three cases of West Nile virus infection have been detected in the Var department, according to ARS Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. The disease, spread by mosquitoes common in mainland France, is usually asymptomatic and can be fatal in older people, with neurological complications occurring in 1% of cases.
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional health agency announced on Monday, August 12, that three cases of West Nile virus infection have been detected in the Var department. This involves one person in Oulioule, one person in Six Fores-les-Plage and another person in La Seine-sur-Mer. A contaminated horse was also found. “West Nile virus infection is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes (mainly Culex genus) that become contaminated simply through contact with infected birds (wild or domestic, editor’s note). People and horses are accidentally owner‘ Viral. The virus does not spread from person to person (or from horse to person) through mosquitoes. ARS Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur explained in a press release issued on August 12.
What method of communication?
The disease is mainly transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which are common in mainland France. Female mosquitoes bite in the evening and at night, unlike tiger mosquitoes that bite during the day. The ARS explained in its press release that it is seeking to identify the site of contamination of infected individuals in order to identify possible spread sites for Culex mosquitoes.
Cases of transmission have also been described during organ transplantation and blood transfusion.
What are the symptoms?
According to the Pasteur Institute, 80% of cases of West Nile virus infection are asymptomatic. In symptomatic cases, the disease is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever after an incubation period of 3 to 6 days. “This fever is accompanied by headache and back pain, muscle pain, cough, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and often rash, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and respiratory symptoms,” the institute added.
Neurological complications occur in 1% of cases; meningitis and encephalitis. In rarer cases, other complications may occur, such as hepatitis, pancreatitis, and even myocarditis. “Generally, patients recover on their own, sometimes with sequelae. But viral infections can be fatal mainly in the elderly. »
Currently, there is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, only symptomatic treatment. There is a vaccine that protects horses, but no vaccine that protects humans.
How to protect yourself from mosquito bites?
Wear loose, covering clothing, especially at night, as Culex mosquitoes are primarily active at night; use pharmacist-recommended repellent on exposed skin areas; use mosquito nets over openings (doors and windows) if necessary; use mosquito nets ( Use a cradle net for newborns); use an electric diffuser at home; use an insecticide coil outdoors only.
The surveillance system currently implemented by French health authorities involves humans, birds and horses. Health professionals are also required to screen all suspected cases. The French Blood Agency (EFS) and the Agency for Biomedicine (ABM) have taken steps to ensure blood and organ donations in the Var.
Virus first isolated in 1937
According to the Pasteur Institute, West Nile virus is currently considered the most widespread flavivirus (RNA virus transmitted to humans or animals by arthropods, ticks or mosquitoes) after dengue fever. “It was named after the West Nile region of Uganda and was first isolated from a woman with high fever in 1937. The virus was discovered in humans, birds and mosquitoes in Egypt in the early 1950s and has since been The virus has been found in humans and animals in many countries.
The first human cases were detected in France in the early 1960s, and the frequency of infections has increased over the past 15 years. Today, West Nile virus is endemic in several European countries and its distribution is expanding.
Source: ARS Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Institut Pasteur
Written by: Dorothée Duchemin – Editor: Vincent Roche
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