2023-08-22 18:36:07
Eight human cases, “confirmed or probable”, of Wes Nile virus infection have now been identified in New Aquitaine, seven cases in Gironde (all in the Bordeaux metropolis) and one in Charente-Maritime, indicates this Tuesday the New-Aquitaine Regional Health Agency (ARS). The very first human cases of Wes Nile virus infection in Gironde were reported at the end of July.
Investigations are also “in progress in two other people”, adds the ARS. Two equine cases were also reported (in Gironde and Charente-Maritime) as well as five avian cases (in Charente-Maritime). “All these cases testify to an active circulation of the West Nile virus in Gironde and Charente-Maritime. »
Another virus, the Usutu virus, was identified in early August by the National Arbovirus Reference Center, “in three human cases in Gironde, initially considered to be infected with the West Nile virus”, continues the ARS on Tuesday. This is the second time that this virus has been identified in New Aquitaine. An avian case was also identified by the National Reference Laboratory in Charente-Maritime. “The Usutu virus is therefore actively circulating in Gironde and Charente-Maritime. »
Mosquito-borne viral diseases Culex
Close to the West Nile virus, the Usutu virus infection is a pathology transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Culex, of which birds are the main reservoir. The mosquito Culexalso called “common mosquito”, is an endemic species, distinct from the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. Over the past twenty years, the virus has spread over a large part of the European continent, causing in particular significant avian mortalities.
West Nile virus infection is a viral disease also transmitted by mosquitoes Culex which become contaminated exclusively through contact with infected birds. The spread is classic: the mosquito bites a bird carrying the virus, then a human being. The West-Nile virus is not transmitted from person to person, except with very rare exceptions. Men and horses, bitten by an infected mosquito, are “accidental hosts.” “The first equine cases in New Aquitaine were identified in the fall of 2022, testifying to the existence of virus circulation in the region’s avian reservoir. »
Until 2021 in France, human and equine cases of West Nile virus infection were identified only in the departments around the Mediterranean (in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica and Occitanie regions).
45 imported cases of dengue and three of chikungunya
Finally, concerning the chikungunya and dengue viruses, the ARS reports that “from May 1 to August 18, “45 imported cases of dengue [dont 19 en Gironde] and three imported cases of chikungunya have been identified in the region (compared to 30 imported cases of dengue fever and three imported cases of chikungunya between May 1 and November 30, 2022). »
In order to limit the appearance of autochthonous chains of transmission, 88 entomological surveys (search for mosquitoes) and 60 “anti-vector” control treatments were carried out around cases domiciled or passing through the region.
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