It is expected that in the coming years there will be an increase cases of dengue fever, Zika and chikungunyamosquito-borne diseases “vectors” now widely established on the national territory, warns the Committee for Monitoring and Anticipation of Health Risks (Covars).
In a 60-page notice published this wednesday 5 april on “the health risks of dengue fever and other arboviruses” (viruses transmitted in particular by mosquitoes), the former scientific council recalls that the French tropical territories are confronted with them on a recurring basis.
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But in recent years, the metropolis has also recorded a growing number of autochthonous cases (that is to say not from contamination outside the territory) and outbreaks of these viruses. In question, the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (commonly called the tiger mosquito).
“Soon all of France will be affected”
Since 2010, the number of metropolitan departments colonized by the tiger mosquito has multiplied by 10. And last summer, the metropolis experienced 65 cases of autochthonous dengue fever, recalls Covars. In mainland France, no serious form of the disease has been observed to date, unlike the overseas territories where populations are repeatedly exposed.
“Rise in cases is inevitable due to increased travel and climate change”noted Didier Fontenille, entomologist, one of the authors of the report, during a press briefing.
“Soon all of France will be affected by the tiger mosquito. As for Aedes aegypti, it is resistant to insecticides, these are two very bad news »he added.
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According to Covars, these viral diseases “could become public health problems in mainland France”.
“Already overwhelmed with 65 cases”
The forthcoming organization of major international sporting events in mainland France (in particular the 2024 Olympics), which are causing significant migration of populations from all over the world, “reinforces the risk of outbreaks of dengue fever, Zika and chikungunya”he adds.
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“We were already overwhelmed with 65 cases. If next year there are 300, we will not be able to cope, we will have to adapt”warned Didier Fontenille.
If France has a surveillance, detection and management system for these diseases considered « performant »he’s staying “perfectible”, in particular in mainland France, estimates the Covars. In particular, a « coordination nationale » to be informed of the situation in other regions.
“We are not in a disaster scenario but we must take the risk seriously through prevention campaigns or better organization of the actors”concluded the president of Covars, Brigitte Autran, during the press briefing.