THE ESSENTIAL
In Gironde, seven cases of West Nile virus infection were recorded as of August 8. Mosquitoes of the genus Culex are the main vectors of the West Nile virus after they become infected with infected birds. Culex mosquitoes are mainly active at sunset and at night.
In a statement published on August 9, 2023, the Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) Nouvelle-Aquitaine said it had received reports of human infections with the West Nile virus, or West Nile, in Gironde. Since a first contamination announced at the beginning of the month, other cases have been confirmed.
The West Nile virus, a mostly asymptomatic infection
According to the regional body, seven human cases have been identified in Gironde. “To date, four cases are confirmed and three are awaiting confirmation. So far, in France, human West Nile virus infections have only been found around the Mediterranean (PACA and Occitanie regions)”, specified the ARS.
Mostly asymptomatic, West Nile virus infection can however lead to symptoms. The disease can be characterized by a flu-like syndrome including fever, pain and headaches, accompanied by a rash.
“In less than 1% of cases, it can cause neurological complications, especially in immunocompromised subjects”, warns the press release. The health institution invites people staying in the affected region to consult a doctor, if they present these symptoms.
West Nile virus: how to protect yourself from mosquito bites?
West-Nile virus infection is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the Culex type, in other words the “common mosquitoes”, which are contaminated by contact with birds carrying the disease. “The spread is classic: the mosquito bites a bird carrying the virus, then a human being. The West Nile virus is not transmitted from man to man, nor from man to mosquito (…) Men and horses, bitten by a contaminated mosquito, are “accidental hosts”. An extremely low risk of transmission may exist through blood and organ donations”, explained ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Culex mosquitoes are mainly active at sunset and at night. Several measures can protect against their bites. It is particularly recommended to wear covering and loose clothing, to use a skin repellent in the evening on the areas of uncovered skin, to use electric diffusers inside homes and insecticide coils only outside.
2023-08-10 10:51:55
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