Article originally published in English
The virus is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes and cannot be transmitted from person to person
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French health authorities warn of the risk of importing dengue cases before the Olympic Games, due to the current outbreak of the virus in the Americas.
According to the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 5.2 million cases of dengue in the Americas, with many countries facing major epidemics.
This represents an increase of more than 400% compared to the average of the last five years.
Dengue is a virus that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although many infections are asymptomatic, in some cases the virus can be serious or fatal.
The “unprecedented situation” in the Americas has resulted in an increase in cases imported from the region, French health authorities warned this week.
There were more than 1,649 imported cases of dengue in mainland France, the majority of which came from the French overseas territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique, compared to the 131 cases recorded in the same period last year, declared the country’s Ministry of Health.
“The phenomenon we observed [em França]with the increase in imported cases, is a phenomenon that many countries have also observed,” said a Ministry of Health official at a press conference on Tuesday.
Alert before the Olympic Games
French authorities have appealed to healthcare professionals and the general public to remain vigilant, especially as the tiger mosquito that transmits the dengue virus has increased its presence in Europe.
The surveillance period in France starts from May to November for cases in the territory.
The concern lies in the fact that a person infected with dengue can transmit it to a mosquito, which in turn can transmit the virus to another person. However, the virus cannot be transmitted from person to person.
An official from the French Ministry of Health added that authorities are “fully mobilized” and preparing for possible threats from infectious diseases during the Olympic Games.
Health authorities recommend that, if visiting regions with high levels of dengue fever, people wear loose clothing that covers the skin and try to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and mosquito nets. Anyone who has a fever within 15 days of returning should consult a doctor.
