2023-08-30 05:15:00
Three cases of Nile virus were recently detected in the Alpes-Maritimes and one case was in the Var. According to the ARS, two cases have been identified in Antibes and another case has been detected in Cannes. In Antibes, people live in a nearby geographical area where active circulation of the virus is suspected, specify the health authorities. Another case was diagnosed in Toulon.
They also indicate that mosquito control operations are underway and that information for the attention of doctors in the area has been provided. In addition, a targeted communication action was carried out, in order to raise public awareness of protective measures against mosquito bites and the symptoms that may require the consultation of a doctor.
What symptoms?
The Nile virus is characterized by a sudden onset of fever accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, swelling of the glands in the neck, a rash, even behavioral problems or incoherent talk. West-Nile virus infection is a viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes (mainly of the Culex genus) which become infected exclusively through contact with infected birds.
Unlike other arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya or zika in particular, whose vector is the tiger mosquito), humans and horses are considered to be “accidental hosts” of the virus. There is no human-to-human transmission, nor human-to-human transmission of the virus via the mosquito.
To protect yourself, follow these recommendations
Protect yourself from bites:
wear covering and loose clothing, especially in the evening, Culex type mosquitoes having mainly nocturnal activity use repellents, recommended by your pharmacist, and on uncovered areas of skin; if necessary, use mosquito nets on the openings (doors and windows); use mosquito nets (there are crib mosquito nets for newborns); use electric diffusers inside homes; use insecticide coils outdoors only.
Consult your doctor immediately in the presence of suggestive symptoms.
The Culex mosquito is the common mosquito in mainland France. It mainly bites in the evening and at night, unlike the tiger mosquito which mainly bites during the day.
What are the symptoms of West-Nile virus infection?
In most cases, human West-Nile virus infection is asymptomatic. In some cases, the disease is manifested by a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, muscle pain) sometimes accompanied by a rash. More rarely, it can cause neurological complications.
What are the monitoring devices?
The circulation of the West-Nile virus is currently monitored in France by a triple surveillance system in humans, horses and birds. Investigations complementary to this system are currently being carried out in order to document the circulation of the virus around the areas concerned.
What actions are taken?
The cases declared to the ARS were the subject of an investigation, carried out in collaboration with the regional unit of Public Health France, in order to identify the possible places of contamination.
Vector control interventions carried out by the Mediterranean Interdepartmental Mosquito Control Agreement (EID) took place in these sectors. Their objectives are to identify and eliminate situations of proliferation of Culex mosquitoes in risk areas through targeted actions.
At the same time, the ARS Paca has strengthened the surveillance system for West-Nile virus infections by raising awareness in health establishments in the region about the identification and screening of any suspected case.
Finally, measures to secure blood and organ donations in Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-Maritimes have temporarily been implemented by the French Blood Establishment (EFS) and the Agence de biomedicine (ABM).
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