In addition to an ever-increasing number of imported cases of dengue fever, France has just recorded its first indigenous case of the year.
- An indigenous case of dengue fever has been reported in Montpellier-Pérols. This is the first of the year.
- 2,166 imported cases of dengue fever were recorded between January 1 and April 30.
- 82% of patients contracted the disease in Martinique or Guadeloupe and 5% in Guyana.
An indigenous case of dengue fever has been reported in Montpellier-Pérols, according to a ARS Occitanie press release published on July 8, 2024. This is the first in France since the beginning of the year.
Indigenous case of dengue fever: the patient comes from the Montpellier region
“A transmission of the dengue virus, in a person who had not recently travelled to an area where the virus was circulating, was reported to the Regional Health Agency”confirms the ARS Occitanie. The health authority adds that the patient was taken care of and that “his state of health does not give rise to concern.” Following this diagnosis, preventive actions were carried out in Montpellier (Port Marianne) and Pérols (Old Town/Cemetery) in order to avoid a possible spread of the dengue virus in the region.
The ARS adds that people showing signs suggestive of tropical disease (high fever, joint pain, severe headaches) after having stayed or taken part in an outdoor activity in the Port Marianne area of Montpellier or in the district located between the old town centre and the cemetery in Pérols, should consult a doctor.
Dengue fever: the majority of imported cases come from the French Antilles
Another source of concern for health professionals: the large number of imported cases of dengue fever detected in France. Between 1er May and July 9, 781 imported cases of dengue fever were reported, including 678 in the departments where Aedes albopictus is present. According to Santé Publique France, 56% of them were returning from Guadeloupe or Martinique, where a dengue epidemic has been raging for several months. Four imported cases of chikungunya and 1 imported case of Zika were recorded over the same period.
These patients are added to a rather long list of sick people. Indeed, 2,166 imported cases of dengue fever were recorded between January 1 and April 30, compared to an average of 128 between January 1 and April 30 over the last 5 years. In addition, 82% of the sick people had contracted the virus in Martinique or Guadeloupe and 5% in Guyana.
During the same period, 5 imported cases of chikungunya and 2 of zika were reported.
