France reports 30 local cases of chikungunya in two months

French health authorities have issued an alert after confirming 30 locally transmitted cases of chikungunya across the country between May 1 and July 15.

According to a bulletin from France’s public health agency, Santé Publique France, the cases stem from 12 separate outbreaks, alongside an additional locally transmitted dengue fever infection.

The report highlights that mosquito-borne diseases, typically concentrated in southern regions, have now spread to new areas, including the Grand Est and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions in the northeast and southwest.

Health officials warn that the risk of further local transmission remains high, with more cases likely to emerge.

In addition to the local infections, France has faced a surge in imported cases since May, including 799 chikungunya infections, 581 dengue fever cases, and one Zika virus infection. 

The rise in mosquito-borne illnesses has raised concerns over the expanding reach of disease-carrying mosquitoes in mainland France.

The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that both chikungunya and dengue fever are transmitted by mosquitoes and share similar symptoms, including high fever, severe joint pain, and muscle aches. In severe cases, these diseases can lead to fatal complications.

(Marco Lam)
 

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