Indigenous Dengue Fever Case Reported in France
An indigenous case of dengue fever has been reported in Hérault, marking the first such occurrence in France since the beginning of 2024. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Occitanie confirmed that the affected individual had not recently traveled to areas where the virus is prevalent. The patient's health is stable, and preventive measures have been initiated in the municipalities of Montpellier and Pérols to curb the local spread of the virus.
Preventive Actions and Mosquito Control Efforts
The ARS has launched a mosquito control operation at the start of the week to eliminate breeding grounds and adult mosquitoes in the vicinity of the patient's residence and frequent locations. Additionally, a proximity investigation is underway to identify any other potential cases. Dengue fever is a viral disease characterized by high fever and, in rare instances, can progress to severe forms causing bleeding. Fatalities are exceedingly rare, occurring in approximately 0.01% of cases.
An 'indigenous case' refers to an individual contracting the disease without recent travel to contaminated regions, such as the Antilles, where the virus is commonly transmitted by tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus). The patient was likely infected locally, as the presence of these mosquitoes has been increasing in mainland France over the past two decades, a trend exacerbated by global warming.
In 2023, France recorded around fifty indigenous cases of dengue fever, following a record of 66 cases in 2022. Health authorities have warned of an 'unprecedented' situation in mainland France, driven by a surge in dengue cases in the Americas and the Caribbean. Increased vigilance is advised, particularly with the upcoming Olympic Games, which may facilitate greater population mixing.
