Public Health France is concerned about the proliferation of enterovirus infections and viral meningitis in our country.
- Enterovirus infections include meningitis.
- “Vigilance remains essential during this summer of 2024 in the face of any resurgence in cases of enterovirus infections and viral meningitis, particularly among very young children,” indicates Santé Publique France.
- “Strengthening family and/or community hygiene rules (hand washing, surface disinfection) is essential to limit the transmission of these viruses, particularly to immunocompromised people and pregnant women,” adds the health agency.
“Vigilance remains essential during this summer of 2024 in the face of any resurgence in cases of enterovirus infections and viral meningitis, particularly among very young children.” In a press release, Public Health France alert on the resumption of summer circulation within France of enteroviruses (which include meningitis, Editor’s note).
Enterovirus and meningitis: towards a summer peak in the coming weeks?
In 2024, the number of reported cases actually reflects a resurgence of enterovirus infections. This trend was observed from the spring with a higher number of cases of meningitis compared to the same period in 2023 (293 cases versus 178 cases).
“The number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for viral meningitis reported by the OSCOUR network also appears to be increasing since the spring compared to the same period in 2023,” complete Public Health France. “This could indicate a summer peak expected in the coming weeks,” adds the health agency.
Enterovirus and meningitis: a risk”of severe damage”
Enteroviruses are spreading all over the world. In temperate zones such as France, an increase in this type of infection is observed every year in summer and autumn, dominated by benign meningitis in hospitals.
While most enterovirus infections cause few or no symptoms, some can be severe depending on age, immune status, or the type of enterovirus.
“Strengthening family and/or community hygiene rules (hand washing, surface disinfection) is essential to limit the transmission of these viruses, particularly to immunocompromised people and pregnant women,” public health experts say.
Public Health France and the CNR for enteroviruses or parechoviruses are also calling on health professionals to be particularly vigilant in the face of severe clinical pictures. They also remind caregivers of the importance of taking samples suitable for searching for the genome of enteroviruses (blood, nasopharyngeal samples, stools, etc.).
