A case of indigenous dengue fever reported in Gard: the tiger mosquito is the cause

La piqûre d’un moustique lui-même infecté peut transmettre cette maladie temporairement invalidante. Midi Libre – Illustration Vincent ANDORRA

This case of indigenous dengue fever, a disease transmitted by the tiger mosquito, is the second recorded in Occitania this season.

"A transmission of the dengue virus, in a person who had not recently traveled to an area where the virus was circulating, was reported to the Regional Health Agency. The sick person is hospitalized and being treated." The Gard prefecture issued a statement on Thursday, August 8, regarding this public health issue. Explaining that “In the face of this case of indigenous dengue fever and to prevent the virus from spreading locally, preventive actions are being deployed in Aimargues.”

Symptoms similar to the flu

As a reminder, dengue fever is a generally benign disease whose symptoms, similar to those of the flu (high fever, joint pain, severe headaches), can be temporarily disabling. This disease is transmitted through the bite of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) previously infected with the virus to a person who is already sick.

A case is said to be “native” when a person contracts the disease without having traveled to an area where the virus is circulating in the 15 days preceding the onset of symptoms. This case of indigenous dengue fever is the second recorded in Occitanie this season. In 2023, over the entire tiger mosquito surveillance season, 22 cases of indigenous dengue fever were reported in Occitanie. In case of signs suggestive of dengue fever, if you have stayed or practiced an outdoor activity in the Mas d’Andron area, consult your doctor.

Enhanced prevention measures

In order to avoid a possible spread of the virus, enhanced prevention measures are implemented in the area frequented by the sick person. These measures mobilize the services of the State, the ARS Occitanie, Public Health France, as well as health professionals in the sector and the mosquito control operator. They translate into: “A targeted mosquito control action to eliminate larval breeding sites and adult mosquitoes in the places where the sick person lives and passes through. The residents concerned are informed in advance and are invited to consult their doctor if they experience any suggestive signs. This operation is planned for this Thursday, August 8.”

In addition, “a sensitization campaign for health professionals to report new cases of dengue to the ARS will be carried out this Thursday, August 8 and Friday, August 9.”