News as of October 4, 2012

The seasonal flu vaccination campaign will run from September 28, 2012, to January 31, 2013. A new vaccine is recommended this year by the WHO. This year’s vaccine includes the H3N2 strain identified during the February 2012 outbreak, which caused a significant number of flu cases among the elderly. The H1N1 strain remains in the 2012 vaccine. In addition, this year’s vaccination schedule expands the list of eligible populations by permanently including pregnant women regardless of the trimester and obese individuals with a BMI of 40 kg/m² or higher. The campaign targets populations at higher risk of complications from seasonal flu.The National Health Insurance therefore invites more than 10 million people to get vaccinated for free. Those eligible include: - People aged 65 and older, - People suffering from certain long-term conditions (ALD) that qualify for exemption, - People suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Enhanced surveillance of chikungunya and dengue in Lot-et-Garonne In mainland France, confirmed cases (both locally acquired and imported) of chikungunya and dengue have been subject to mandatory reporting since April 2006. In departments where the Aedes albopictus mosquito (tiger mosquito) is established, a system for reporting and accelerated biological confirmation of suspected cases of chikungunya and dengue is in place during the mosquito’s active season (May 1 to November 30). This system enables rapid intervention by vector control services around suspected cases. It is combined with enhanced entomological surveillance. In Aquitaine, the department of Lot-et-Garonne has been affected since August 11. Procedure, reporting form to the regional health surveillance and emergency platform, and labels for sending samples to the National Reference Center for Arboviruses. Status as of October 4, 2012: Since the start of enhanced surveillance in Lot-et-Garonne, 5 cases have been reported. To date, one case of dengue has been confirmed, imported from an endemic country.