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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
While a dozen horses have reportedly fallen victim to the West Nile virus in a few days near Montpellier, the Hérault prefecture also announced yesterday the case of a man hospitalized. Should we be worried? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of Doctissimo, answers our questions.
On Monday, September 9, an indigenous case of the West Nile virus was identified in Baillargues in the metropolitan area of Montpellier, the Hérault Prefecture announced yesterday. A first in this department, while 16 indigenous cases (i.e. caused by an infected mosquito circulating in France) have been recorded since the beginning of the year: 12 cases in the Var since mid-July, one case in Guadeloupe at the beginning of August, and two cases in the Gard at the end of August. However, the man is reportedly in stable condition today, according to the Prefecture.
One man and ten horses injured
The man concerned is not the only victim of the virus in this region. Near what is known as the Little Camargue, animals are also affected: tests carried out on three horses confirmed the presence of the virus. The contamination of four other equines is strongly suspected.
In total, around ten horses have been victims of the virus in recent days, causing breeders to fear a tragedy. Cases which confirm that the virus is circulating very actively.
West Nile virus, another mosquito-borne virus
West Nile virus infection (also called “West Nile virus”) is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which infect themselves by biting infected wild birds.
“The Culex mosquito, which spreads it, is the common mosquito in metropolitan France. It bites mainly in the evening and at night, unlike the tiger mosquito which mainly stings during the day” indicate the authorities.
Horses, and sometimes humans as here, can be “accidental hosts” A case that we have seen more and more regularly since 2023.
Human cases, on the other hand, are less impressive: in most cases, the infection is asymptomatic, “that is, the patient has no symptoms”the prefecture emphasizes. In some cases, the disease manifests itself as a pseudo-flu syndrome sometimes accompanied by a skin rash. And in less than 1% of infections, there can be neurological complications, particularly in immunocompromised subjects.
Should we be worried in France?
According to Public Health France, the virus was first detected in 1962 in mainland France with human and equine cases in the Camargue. However, it has been making a strong comeback since 2022 and 2023, when 43 cases were identified, particularly in the South-West and South-East of France.
But should we panic? Or protect ourselves? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, advises us to remain pragmatic today and to focus on prevention, as is now the case with other viruses on French soil.
“Despite what this case may suggest, there is no contamination from horse to man or from man to man. No fear on that side, on the other hand the mosquito can indeed be a vector of the disease. We must therefore be careful to eliminate mosquitoes, and stagnant water, as for Chikungunya, dengue and Zika”
The virus is being actively monitored on the Mediterranean coast and in New Aquitaine, as well as in the overseas departments.
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