Sharp Increase in Chikungunya Cases Reported in France
France has reported nearly 400 locally-acquired cases of chikungunya this summer, marking a significant rise compared to last year, French health authorities announced Wednesday, reports 24brussels.
As of September 8, there have been 382 cases of chikungunya caused by infected mosquitoes in mainland France, including 81 cases reported in just the past week. In addition, 966 imported cases have been recorded. The country has also noted 21 locally-acquired dengue cases and 894 imported cases.
This surge in chikungunya cases starkly contrasts with last year’s data, where only one such case was reported in France. The increase is attributed to the growing population of tiger mosquitoes, which are thriving in the changing climate and enabling the spread of such vector-borne diseases.
Chikungunya symptoms include flu-like conditions such as high fever, headache, nausea, rash, and muscle and joint pain. While most individuals recover, 30 to 40 percent of those infected may develop chronic arthritis.
The proliferation of tiger mosquitoes in Europe is raising concerns as these insects adapt to the environment, increasing the likelihood that diseases once confined to tropical regions could become endemic across the continent.
