Key Points

Vector-borne diseases: The period of enhanced surveillance for dengue and chikungunya cases extends through November 30, the date on which the tiger mosquito is expected to begin its diapause. To date, 206 suspected cases have been investigated, among which 11 imported dengue cases have been confirmed, as well as 2 imported chikungunya cases. Regarding the cluster of locally acquired dengue cases in Nîmes, the total remains at 6 confirmed cases and 1 probable case (which cannot be biologically confirmed).

West Nile: A person carrying the West Nile virus was diagnosed in Nîmes in the Gard department on October 2, 2015. This person has since recovered and is in good health. This is the first human case reported in France to date since 2003. Since August 2015, several cases of West Nile virus have also been reported in horses in the Gard, Hérault, and Bouches-du-Rhône departments. West Nile fever, also known as "West Nile virus disease," is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that become infected exclusively through contact with infected birds. Humans and horses are therefore "accidental hosts"; they cannot transmit the virus. In most cases, human infection with the West Nile virus is asymptomatic, meaning it presents no symptoms. In some cases, it manifests as a flu-like syndrome (fever, aches, headaches). It can, occasionally, cause neurological complications.

Hospital and medical activity in the region: activity at SOS Médecins clinics and emergency departments is typical for the season. Consultations in emergency medicine or in private practice regarding bronchitis and bronchiolitis are typical for the season. As was the case last year at this time of year, there has been an increase in emergency department visits for pneumonia, with 50% of patients aged 75 or older and 50% of these visits resulting in hospitalization.