top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

New map warns of mosquito bites

Bite victims can get details of where insects are worst – and where the risk is increasing

MOSQUITO victims could get some warning of when to stock up on anti-mossie cream in a new website alert system.

The site, which aims to give a department by department warning of where there is heavy mosquito infestation, uses daily updates from 2,000 pharmacies across the country who report on customers with bites.

As the summer starts to heat up across most of the country, just one department is on red alert: Aube, where pharmacies report the department has been invaded by the anopheles mosquito but also by the tiger mosquito. The reason has been the unusually wet spring, with water being the favoured mosquito breeding ground.

So far, the site reports no danger of malaria from the anopheles mosquito – and, to date, there has been no reported infection in mainland France from the dengue fever and chikungunya fever that the tiger mosquito is known to pass on.

Individuals can also send in bite reports to the site and there are reports of mosquito activity from around 20 departments and favourable conditions for mosquitos in about three dozen others.

So far, there is particular concern in areas that suffered from heavy rainfall over the past few weeks, especially in the south-west - Gers, Landes, Pyrénées Atlantique, Lot-et-Garonne, Tarn-et-Garonne, Haute-Garonne and Hautes-Pyrénées; and in the north-east - Marne, Haute Marne, Meurthe et Moselle, Yonne and Bas-Rhin. The Aube is also at risk.

The site gives information (in French) on what to do to sooth a bite and what measures to take to prevent mosquitos breeding – notably to avoid leaving standing water in old tyres or other locations.

Get more information from the website vigilance-moustiques.com

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France