Chikungunya: Twelve transmission hotspots identified in mainland France; Public Health France warns of epidemic risk

Twelve chikungunya transmission hotspots have now been identified in mainland France, with around thirty cases in total, Public Health France (SPF) 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 areas." The virus is transmitted by tiger mosquito bites and causes high fevers and muscle pain.

"In Salon-de-Provence, thirteen cases have been identified, including two cases living in the neighboring towns of Grans and Lambesc ," SPF reports. "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, there was a native case of dengue fever reported in early July in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This is, for the time being, the only one in mainland France, 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.