Chikungunya: 12 transmission hotspots identified in mainland France, authorities warn that "other cases will likely be identified"

Twelve chikungunya transmission hotspots have now been identified in mainland France, with around thirty cases in total, Public Health France announced on Wednesday, July 16, warning that this upward trend is likely to continue.

"The number of transmission hotspots illustrates the significant risk of indigenous transmission of these viruses in mainland France," the public health agency warned in a weekly report. "Other cases will likely be identified, including outside the usual transmission zones."

So far, twelve outbreaks of chikungunya, the virus transmitted through tiger mosquito bites and causing high fever and muscle pain, have been reported, for a total of thirty cases.

"In Salon-de-Provence, 13 cases have been identified, including two cases residing in the neighboring towns of Grans and Lambesc," Public Health France reported. "This is the most widespread outbreak at this stage."

This level, exceptionally high in mainland France so early in the summer, is explained in particular by an overseas epidemic that has hit Réunion and Mayotte in recent months. Since spring, health authorities have recorded several hundred cases arriving in mainland France from Réunion.

In addition, a native case of dengue fever was reported in early July in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This is the only case in mainland France so far, as the disease is also transmitted by the tiger mosquito.

The risk of epidemic transmission of these viruses in mainland France is also increased by high temperatures: high temperatures contribute to the circulation of the tiger mosquito, a phenomenon accentuated by global warming.