Mosquito-borne virus detected in southern France, three cases already reported

Three cases of West Nile infection, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, have been identified in the south of France.

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of the PACA region announced that three cases of infection with West Nile virus have been detected identified in the Var department. The three people concerned live on the nearby side of the city. d'Ollioules, Six-Fours-les-Plages and Seyne-sur-Mer. À note that one case involving a horse was reported. detected in the same period & Six-Fours-les-Plages. 

This disease is not common in France and causes some effects, although rare, including neurological complications. particularly in the elderly. The agency advises consulting your GP "if you experience symptoms' ;evocative éocirc;emes" like the sudden onset of fever accompanied by headache, muscle pain, rash skin, even behavioral disorders or inconsistent comments. 

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An "asymptomatic"infection

The ARS explains that the transmission of the West Nile virus occurs exclusively through mosquitoes, mainly of the Culex genus. Contaminated through contact with infected birds, carriers thus transmit the virus to humans at the time of their bite. “There is no transmission of the virus from human to human (or from horse to human) via mosquitoes,” assures the authority. “Humans and horses are accidental hosts,” adds Public Health France.

According to the organism, the disease”does not present any particular danger, since, “in most cases, human infection with West Nile virus is asymptomatic.” However, it should be noted that, “in some cases, the disease manifests itself by a flu-like syndrome (fever, headaches, muscle pain), sometimes accompanied by of a “skin rash”, explains the ARS. 

Faced with the three cases of infection, the ARS PACA wishes to raise awareness “among & health establishments and professionals in the sector to identify and screen for any suspected cases". Additional measures regarding blood donation have also been put in place in the region. To protect themselves from bites, residents of the region are advised to wear loose clothing, use repellents and install mosquito nets.