Key Points

Enhanced Surveillance of Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika

• In mainland France, Aedes albopictus, known as the "tiger mosquito," is established in 33 departments. In 2017, Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin were classified as Level 1 departments under the plan to prevent the spread of chikungunya and dengue in mainland France, due to the mosquito vector’s long-term presence. These departments are part of the enhanced surveillance system for chikungunya, dengue, and Zika in mainland France, which is active from May 1 to November 30 each year.

• Between May 1 and September 1, 2017, six cases of dengue and two cases of chikungunya were confirmed in the Grand Est region.

Asthma Surveillance

• Asthma-related activity in emergency departments declined in week 35 (August 28 to September 3).

• For the SOS Médecins associations in the region, this activity is experiencing significant fluctuations, either increasing or decreasing, depending on the association. The figures are similar to those observed in previous years during the same period.

Allergy monitoring

• After a slight increase in week 34 (August 21–27, 2017), activity related to allergies among SOS Médecins associations returned to levels comparable to those of previous years during the same period.

• According to the RNSA’s pollen and allergy bulletin, grass, nettle, and plantain pollens will pose a very low to locally low risk in the departments of the Grand Est region.

Mortality Monitoring

• As of August 28, the number of deaths observed over the past few weeks falls within the usual range of fluctuations.

Monitoring of Legionnaires' disease cases

• In August, an excess of Legionnaires' disease cases was detected in the Grand Est region, with the Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin departments most affected. Investigations are underway to identify common sources of contamination and implement appropriate management measures.