First native cases of mosquito-borne chikungunya recorded in Dordogne

Native cases of the mosquito-borne disease chikungunya have been recorded in the Dordogne department in south-west France for the first time. 

An outbreak of the tropical disease in Bergerac has led to a cluster of 15 native cases, reports the Nouvelle-Aquitaine Agence régionale de santé (ARS) health authority. 

All cases were classed as ‘native’, meaning the people who fell ill had not left mainland France for at least 15 days prior to contracting the disease. 

It indicates a strain of mosquitoes in the local area is therefore carrying the disease.

Authorities are now carrying out a mosquito extermination programme in the area in an attempt to limit the spread of the disease. 

Tiger mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of chikungunya as well as other tropical diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus, and have been present in the south-west of France for several years. 

Between May and July this year, 47 native cases of chikungunya were recorded in France. There was only a single native case last year. 

An outbreak of the disease in the French overseas department of Réunion is partly due to the spread this year, as thousands of imported cases have been recorded. 

Tiger mosquitoes native to France can bite those infected with the disease, become infected themselves, and pass it on through their bites. 

It is mandatory for doctors to report suspected cases of chikungunya to national health authorities.

Limit mosquito spread

In mid-August, the ARS confirmed four cases of chikungunya in Bergerac, with another 11 suspected cases being reviewed. 

These were later confirmed, bringing the total in the outbreak ‘cluster’ to 15. 

The cases were traced back to the ‘Costes’ suburb in the east of the town, more specifically between the E.Leclerc supermarket and the Stade de Campréal.

Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, headache, muscle pain, rashes, conjunctivitis, and fatigue. 

In serious cases, it may hospitalise a patient. 

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact a doctor. 

In addition, advice is to attempt to limit the proliferation of tiger mosquitoes, as well as reduce the risk of being bitten by the insects.

Limiting potential breeding grounds of stagnant water (under plant pots, in ponds, gutters, etc) is the main advice, and using mosquito traps is also recommended.

Wearing long and loose-fitting clothing and using insect repellent is also advised. 

A series of tips from Connexion readers on keeping mosquitoes away can also be found in our article here.