What We Do
Aedes albopictus (also known as the tiger mosquito), the primary vector of dengue fever, is established in several French territories. In mainland France, it has been gradually spreading since 2004. In this context, Santé publique France’s efforts focus on two main areas: surveillance and prevention.
Epidemiological Surveillance of Dengue
The epidemiological surveillance system for dengue is tailored to the various epidemiological situations and vector risks in mainland France and the overseas departments. It is part of the measures to combat arboviruses.
In mainland France, surveillance of dengue (as well as chikungunya and Zika) is governed by Directive No. DGS/VSS1/2019/258 of December 12, 2019, regarding the prevention of arboviral diseases.
This surveillance is based on:
Mandatory reporting of all biologically documented cases
Any case of dengue, whether imported or autochthonous, that is biologically confirmed (probable or confirmed) must be immediately reported to the ARS surveillance and alert unit by any appropriate means (telephone, fax, email) and then notified using the mandatory reporting form.
Reporting criteria:
Fever >38.5°C with sudden onset AND
at least one pain-related symptom (myalgia ± arthralgia ± headache ± low back pain ± retro-orbital pain) AND
at least one of the following laboratory criteria: RT-PCR OR NS1 test OR IgM positive OR seroconversion OR a fourfold increase in IgG levels between two samples taken at least 14 days apart.
Notification Form
Fact Sheet for the Public on the Reporting of Notifiable Diseases
This surveillance is stepped up every year from May 1 to November 30, the expected period of activity for Aedes albopictus in the departments where the vector is present
The goal is to enable rapid intervention by vector control services (LAV) around potentially viremic cases in areas where the Aedes albopictus mosquito is present, in order to prevent a local transmission cycle. This requires the early detection of all cases.
In practice, doctors and laboratories are made aware at the start of the season of the risk of arbovirus transmission and the need for immediate reporting of cases. The immediate reporting of any case of dengue (as well as chikungunya and Zika) to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) triggers an epidemiological and entomological investigation.
In addition, an automated system for transferring results from the Eurofins Biomnis® and Cerba® laboratories helps identify cases that might otherwise have gone unreported.
The detection of a biologically confirmed autochthonous case triggers an alert that prompts immediate action by the ARS and mosquito control operators. Santé publique France and the Directorate General of Health (DGS) are notified immediately. A specific epidemiological investigation is conducted, along with an entomological investigation and appropriate vector control measures. These are accompanied by communications to healthcare professionals, the public, travelers, and the relevant local authorities.
Case definition:
Probable case of dengue: clinical signs suggestive of dengue AND positive IgM serology.
Confirmed case of dengue: clinical signs suggestive of dengue AND RT-PCR OR NS1 test OR seroconversion OR a fourfold increase in IgG levels between two samples taken at least 14 days apart
Imported dengue case: a case involving a person who has stayed in an area where the virus is known to circulate within 15 days prior to the onset of symptoms.
Clinical signs suggestive of dengue (criteria: Fever >38.5 °C with sudden onset AND at least one pain-related symptom (myalgia ± arthralgia ± headache ± low back pain ± retro-orbital pain)
National Reference Center for Arboviruses
CNR Metropolitan Coordinator | Contacts
INSERM
Scientific Director: Prof. X. de Lamballerie
Scientific Directors: N. Ayhan, L. Pezzi, R. Klitting
IRBA Marseille
Director: G. Grard
Deputy: G. Durand
Address: IHU Méditerranée-Infection, 1st Floor – Laboratory 114, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 MARSEILLE
Secretariat: +33 (0)4 13 73 21 81 - Secretariat Fax: +33 (0)4 13 73 21 82
CNR Associated Laboratory, Antilles-Guyana Region
Pasteur Institute of French Guiana
Head: D. Rousset
Address: Institut Pasteur of French Guiana, Virology Laboratory, 23, avenue Pasteur - P.O. Box 6010 - 97 306 Cayenne Cedex - French Guiana
Laboratory: 05 94 29 58 27 - Office: 05 94 29 58 16 - Fax: 05 94 29 58 09
CNR Associated Laboratory, Indian Ocean Region
Saint Denis University Hospital, Réunion
Director: N. Traversier
Address: CHU Saint-Denis de la Réunion Félix Guyon, Microbiology Laboratory, Allée des Topazes - CS11021 - 97405 Saint-Denis Cedex
Office: 02 62 90 62 60 - Fax: 02 62 90 53 38 or 02 62 90 50 54
Measures to Prevent Dengue Fever
As part of its prevention efforts, Santé publique France:
Studies preventive behaviors regarding arboviruses in mainland France to identify levers for action that can improve vector control (published in the BEH in July 2018; see the Publications tab).
Provides healthcare professionals and local authorities with a brochure dedicated to the prevention of dengue and chikungunya in mainland France
Provides the general public with informational brochures and posters to promote dengue prevention
These documents are available in the Tools tab.
Reference materials
In relation to
Chikungunya
thematic dossier
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain.
Zika
thematic dossier
Zika is a viral disease transmitted primarily by mosquitoes but also through sexual contact. Symptoms are usually mild, but the virus can cause birth defects if a woman becomes infected during...
