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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
The village of Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes in the Haut Vaucluse region experienced 8 cases of dengue fever in the same street in just a few days! An epidemic that required a night of emergency mosquito control. A preventive action that could become more and more frequent.
The small town of Sainte-Cécile-les-Vignes, in the Haut Vaucluse, was until now known for its vineyards. But its name is now associated with the tiger mosquito. After an initial alert in autumn 2023, several cases of dengue fever have now been detected locally.
Emergency treatment initiated
In a few days, 8 people were affected by the virus, including the mayor of the town himself. The particularity? They all lived on the same street, Avenue Kimmerling. A case taken very seriously by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and the services of the sub-prefecture who quickly undertook treatment to combat the tiger mosquito on the night of Saturday 17 August as well as epidemiological and entomological studies.
Local residents should also all receive instructions to follow to prevent the development of these mosquitoes.
No serious cases, but a lot of fatigue
Fortunately, no serious cases or complications appear to be reported, but according to the mayor’s admission in the Dauphine Liberatedthe virus is complicated to live with, particularly because of the fatigue it causes.
Dengue fever has flu-like symptoms with fever, fatigue, body aches and joint pains, and also skin rashes.”You should contact your doctor very quickly, advises the elected officialbecause there are tests that can put symptoms on this disease.”
Expect more and more cases
In the area, cases of dengue fever carried by tiger mosquitoes could, however, increase, as the insects are present in 97% of the PACA region.And unfortunately with climate change,” explains the mayor, “They will be there more and more and will be carriers of this dengue epidemic”. A finding confirmed by our medical director, Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
“Cases of dengue fever will inevitably increase. To avoid the spread, preventive measures to eliminate reservoirs (mosquitoes) are essential, such as removing water points or launching sanitary mosquito control operations.”
In the region, the ARS also advises adopting several measures to avoid:
- Wear loose, covering clothing;
- Apply a special tiger mosquito repellent to exposed areas of skin;
- Use fans (disturbing for mosquitoes), install mosquito nets on openings (doors and windows);
- Eliminate stagnant water (larvae develop there);
- Cover water reserves tightly with tarpaulin or mosquito net;
- Store all containers (buckets, watering cans, children’s toys) away from the rain, collect green waste regularly and clean gutters regularly.
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