-
Water damage to homes: Which areas of France suffer most?
We also look at the recommended steps to take to protect your property
-
Leasing a car long-term in France: pros and cons
Leasing arrangements are becoming more common but there are warnings that they might not be the best deal overall
-
Warning over storage of bleach and other cleaning products in France
More than 30,000 incidents were recorded from 2017-21, including the death of a three-year-old
First reported death from measles in France in 2019
Santé publique says one person has died and 100 people have been hospitalised with measles so far this year
The first death from measles in 2019 has been reported in France, health officials have said.
Public health agency Santé publique revealed news of the measles-related death, in its weekly bulletin, but provided no details of the age or location of the victim, "in order to protect the anonymity of the deceased patient".
Three people died of measles in France, a highly contagious disease that can cause serious or even fatal complications such as encephalitis or pneumonia, in 2018. Since 2008, health officials have recorded 20 deaths related to measles.
A total 350 cases of measles have been reported in France so far 2019, down from the same period last year, when there were 966 known cases. But 100 patients have had to be hospitalised, with five needing treatment in intensive care, Santé publique said.
In 90% of cases, patients had not been vaccinated.
According to Santé publique, the virus has been identified in 51 departments. With 49 cases reported between January 1 and March 10, 2019, Savoie is the most affected. Doctors in Val popular ski resort Thorens have even proposed vaccinating holidaymakers in hotels.
Measles vaccinations are mandatory in France for all children born after January 1, 2018.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France