Three people have been infected with the West Nile virus in Nice. Transmitted by the Culex mosquito, the most predominant in France, it can be very dangerous and lead to neurological complications. It is therefore essential to know how to protect yourself effectively.
In Nice, three people were infected with the West Nile virus (West Nile fever), a rare virus transmitted to humans by the Culex mosquito, the most predominant in France. These three cases suggest that the virus is now circulating in the region, which is not surprising during school holidays. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 55 cases were diagnosed in Europe, Italy, Greece, Hungary and Romania between July 27 and August 2.
What is West Nile virus?
The virus first appeared in mainland France in 1962 in the Camargue, then again in 2000. During the 2003 epidemic, seven people were affected in the Var. Asymptomatic for 80% of patients, it can nevertheless cause influenza-like illness and neurological complications that can lead to death – mortality is estimated at 2% of cases. We then speak of West Nile meningitis when it reaches its most serious stage. WHO estimates that only 1 in 150 infected people develop this severe form of the disease.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes, which are themselves contaminated by birds. It mainly infects birds, but also the Hwe are, the horses, the dogs, the cats, the bats, the chipmunks, the skunks, the squirrels and the rabbits domestic workers. Man is considered an “accidental host” of the disease because he cannot transmit the virus. There is then no risk of contamination between humans.
“The circulation of the West-Nile virus is currently monitored in France by a triple surveillance device in humans, horses and birds”, informs Provence Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Health Agency. “Additional investigations are currently being carried out by the authorities in order to document the viral circulation in the Alpes-Maritimes. The Regional Health Agency calls for the vigilance of health professionals and health establishments to report any new suspected case. Measures additional measures to secure blood donations and organ harvesting from inhabitants of the Alpes-Maritimes have been temporarily implemented “.
How to recognize and protect yourself from the Culex mosquito?
Also nicknamed “domestic mosquito”, the Culex mosquito can transmit serious diseases such as West Nile fever or Japanese encephalitis, as well as the Usutu virus, unlike the anopheles mosquito, vector of malaria or the Aedes mosquito (which makes part the tiger mosquito) which is a vector of dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. The Culex mosquito does not look like the tiger mosquito: it measures between 5 and 7 mm long and its wings protrude slightly from the abdomen, which is brown and ringed. The female’s body can become deformed when she is gorged with blood. It is besides that which stings the Man.
Like the tiger mosquito, the Culex appreciates rather warm and stagnant water and / or shady intraforest ponds or ditches and it is capable of biting in the middle of the day (unlike the Anopheles which only bites at night). It is therefore necessary to protect yourself in theory 24 hours a day, hence the interest of eliminating the breeding sites of your habitat, that is to say the slightest source of stagnant water, such as the bottom of gutters or even flowerpot saucers. It is indeed in these small quiet corners that the females lay their eggs. Be vigilant, wear loose clothing, put up mosquito nets. Protecting yourself against mosquitoes comes down to limiting the risks.
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