France: Local cases of dengue fever reported in Corsica, Occitania, and Paca regions through October /update 1

Event

Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in the country's south, with 65 cases reported May 1-Oct. 16. This caseload is a significant increase compared to the annual incidence in the country since local disease transmission was first identified in 2010. Disease activity has been reported in Corsica, Occitania, and Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur (Paca) provinces. Alpes-Maritimes department has the highest activity (34 cases), followed by Var (seven cases), Haute-Garonne (four cases), Hautes-Pyrenees (four cases), Haute Garonne (two cases), and Pyrenees-Orientales (one case). Additionally, the Corsica Region has reported two cases. This report represents the most complete data available as of Oct. 25.

Context

French health authorities reported a single autochthonous dengue fever case in 2021, 12 cases in 2020, two in 2019, and eight in 2018.

Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten, but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated in a timely manner.

Advice

Risk of dengue fever is higher in urban and semi-urban areas. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.