Severe or fatal cases of chikungunya are rare and are usually associated with the existence of other pathologies.
- Chikungunya is transmitted from human to human via the tiger mosquito which recently colonized France.
- A first atypical case of chikungunya has been classified as indigenous in Île-de-France.
- “The progression of chikungunya can be rapid and favorable if the patient responds well to symptomatic treatment. However, the disease can also develop into a chronic phase marked by persistent and disabling joint pain,” explains the Ministry of Health.
“A first atypical case of chikungunya has been classified as indigenous in Île-de-France because it meets the definition criteria.” In a press release, Public Health France takes stock of this viral disease.
Chikungunya: what is an “indigenous case”?
We are talking about “native case” when the infected person has not recently travelled to an area where the virus is circulating and has therefore been contaminated in France.
“When an indigenous case is identified, vector control measures are reinforced with the implementation of two adulticide mosquito control treatments in a wider perimeter (300 m)”, indicates Public Health France. “Active case search is also being implemented around indigenous case foci to determine the extent of local transmission and adjust the scope of vector control treatment if necessary,” adds the health agency.
In addition to the indigenous case, from January 1 to April 30, 2024, 5 cases of chikungunya imported into France were also notified by mandatory reporting, and from May 1, 2024 to Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 9 similar cases.
Chikungunya: mode of transmission and symptoms
Chikungunya is transmitted from human to human via the tiger mosquito which recently colonized France.
“The disease can go unnoticed or manifest itself on average 4 to 7 days after the infective bite by the sudden onset of a high fever (above 38.5°C) associated with headaches as well as significant muscle and joint pain affecting the extremities of the limbs”, indicates the Ministry of Health.
Other symptoms may also be associated such as conjunctivitis, skin rash or nausea.
“The evolution can be rapidly favorable if the patient responds well to symptomatic treatment. However, the disease can also evolve into a chronic phase marked by persistent and disabling joint pain,” also explains the Ministry of Health.
Chikungunya: how to protect yourself?
No vaccine against chikungunya has yet been finalized and each symptom is treated specifically.
The best way to combat the transmission of chikungunya is therefore to protect yourself individually against mosquito bites and to slow down their reproduction by destroying the most obvious larval breeding sites.