West Nile virus alarm in France! Case numbers rise.

In France, cases of the West Nile virus have been increasing since June. According to data from the Public Health Agency, the virus was detected in a total of 13 departments located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, Île-de-France, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions.

With 12 new cases recorded in the past week, the total number of cases seen in the country this summer has risen to 30.

West Nile Virus First Detected in 3 Departments

New developments also emerged in the regions where cases were identified. The first cases linked to the West Nile virus in the departments of Aude, Seine-et-Marne, and Drôme drew attention.

While the number of cases varied between 1 and 7 across departments, the highest number of cases was recorded in Bouches-du-Rhône, a department on the Mediterranean coast.

How Does the West Nile Virus Spread?

The West Nile virus is transmitted to humans mainly by bites of Culex mosquitoes. While it is noted that no vaccine is yet available, experts emphasize the importance of protecting against mosquito bites.

Especially during periods of high mosquito activity, it is recommended to wear clothing that covers the body as much as possible and to use appropriate mosquito repellents.

What are the symptoms?

After infection, the incubation period is generally reported to range from 2 to 14 days. In people with weakened immune systems, this period can extend up to 21 days.

Approximately 80% of people infected with West Nile virus show no symptoms. In about 20% of cases, symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle aches may appear.

When the disease progresses more severely, serious health problems can arise, especially for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.