the west nile virus “circulates” in the south of France. Since July 7, 2018, twenty cases of infection with the virus (called West Nile viral disease or West Nile) have been identified in the Provence-Alpes Côtes d’Azur (Paca) region, mainly in the Alpes-Maritimes. A first case of infection with the virus has also been reported in Vaucluse.
Three of these patients with a neuroinvasive form of the virus had to be hospitalized. These people are currently on the mend, specifies the Regional Health Agency (ARS) Paca in a press release.
These 20 cases testify to earlier and greater circulation than in previous years in France. Health authorities are calling on health professionals to be vigilant in reporting any new suspected case of fever.
West Nile fever is a viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes (mainly of the Culex genus) which become contaminated through contact with infected birds, recalls the Regional Health Agency. Humans and horses are “accidental hosts” but cannot in turn transmit the virus. The West Nile differs on this point from other arboviruses as the denguethe chikungunyaWhere zikatransmitted in particular by tiger mosquitoes.
As a preventive measure, a triple system for monitoring the virus in humans, horses and birds has been put in place as well as measures to secure blood and organ donations in the Alpes-Maritimes and Vaucluse.
West Nile virus, an asymptomatic infection
Most often, the patient infected with the West Nile virus has no symptoms: the infection is said to be “symptomatic”. Sometimes the disease is manifested by a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, muscle pain) sometimes associated with a rash. In the most serious but rare cases, serious neurological complications can occur. In the presence of these symptoms, the person concerned should consult his doctor.
Protect yourself against mosquito bitesremains the best way to protect yourself against the virus. This involves in particular the fight against stagnant water, the use of repellents and the wearing of loose clothing.
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