Transmitted by a tiger mosquito infected with the virus, dengue fever is “generally” benign for those affected. Mosquito control operations are underway in La Crau to kill the insects and their larvae.
Eleven cases of dengue fever have been detected in the Var commune of La Crau, according to a joint press release from the ARS of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region and Public Health France on Tuesday, September 3.
A first indigenous case had already been reported to the health authorities on August 19, that is to say a person infected by the virus after being bitten by a tiger mosquito on French territory without having been to a contaminated area “in the 15 days preceding the appearance of symptoms”.
Mosquito control operations underway
In order to prevent the emergence of new cases, the Interdepartmental Agreement for the Control of Mosquitoes on the Mediterranean Coast is currently carrying out mosquito control operations in the municipality, particularly in certain private gardens and on public roads.
These operations thus make it possible to kill mosquito larvae, but also adult pests already present in these areas and potentially infected by the dengue virus.
People in these areas have been made aware of the risks by the authorities, while hospitals and doctors in the surrounding area are “mobilised to treat and screen people who may present symptoms of dengue fever”.
The ARS and Public Health France remind that to avoid the proliferation of mosquitoes it is advisable to empty all cups or objects that could retain a small quantity of water.
