What We Do
Epidemiological Surveillance of Zika
The surveillance systems in place in mainland France and the overseas departments are tailored to and specific to epidemiological situations and vector risks.
In mainland France, this surveillance is based on:
Mandatory reporting of all biologically confirmed cases
Any case of Zika (imported or locally acquired) that has been biologically confirmed must be immediately reported to the ARS by any appropriate means (phone, fax, email) and then notified using the DO form.
The reporting physician or biologist must send the mandatory reporting form to the surveillance and alert unit of the relevant ARS in a confidential envelope marked "medical confidentiality."
The reporting physician or biologist must send the mandatory reporting form to the surveillance and alert unit of the relevant ARS.
Notification Form
Fact Sheet for the Public on the Reporting of Notifiable Diseases
Enhanced seasonal surveillance in departments where the Aedes albopictus vector (also known as the tiger mosquito) is present
Seasonal surveillance takes place annually from May 1 to November 30, the expected period of activity for Aedes albopictus. Its objective is the early detection of any cases in order to prevent a local transmission cycle.
This system enables rapid intervention by vector control services (LAV) around potentially viremic cases in areas where the Aedes albopictus mosquito is present. All suspected cases must be subject to biological documentation.
In practice, surveillance relies on physicians and laboratories in departments colonized by the Aedes albopictus vector. They immediately report, via fax, all imported and autochthonous cases of Zika (as well as dengue and chikungunya) to the Regional Health Agency (ARS). This report triggers an epidemiological and entomological investigation. The ARS investigates reported cases of Zika (or dengue or chikungunya) which, if potentially viremic, are subject to LAV intervention.
The detection of a biologically confirmed locally transmitted case triggers an immediate alert to the ARS. Santé publique France and the Directorate General for Health (DGS) are informed without delay. An 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:
Suspected Zika case: a case presenting with an exanthem-like rash, with or without fever (even mild), and at least two of the following signs: conjunctival hyperemia, arthralgia, or myalgia, in the absence of other causes.
Imported case: a case in which the individual has stayed in an area where the virus is known to circulate within 15 days prior to the onset of symptoms.
In summary
Throughout mainland France: mandatory reporting and notification of all confirmed cases of Zika (or dengue or chikungunya).
In metropolitan departments where the Aedes albopictus mosquito is established and during the vector’s expected activity period (May 1 through November 30):
In the absence of local transmission (Level 1 of the plan), reporting and investigation of all confirmed imported or local cases,
In the presence of local transmission (Level 2 and above), reporting of all suspected or confirmed local cases.
National Reference Center for Arboviruses
CNR Coordinator for mainland France | Contacts (To contact us, please email us whenever possible. The CNR email address is: cnr-arbovirus.u1207@inserm.fr)
CNR Coordinator: INSERM
Xavier de Lamballerie (Head of the CNR Arbovirus)
Associated CNR in mainland France: IRBA
Gilda Grard (Head of the Associated CNR for Arboviruses)
Guillaume Durand (Deputy Head of the Associated CNR for Arboviruses)Secretariat: +33 (0)4 88 60 49 90Please note that the CNR no longer uses fax.
Address: CNR Arbovirus - IHU Méditerranée-Infection, 1st Floor – Laboratory 114, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 MARSEILLE
CNR Associated Laboratory, Antilles-Guyana Region
Institut Pasteur of French Guiana
Address: Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, 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 Zika
As part of its prevention efforts, Santé publique France:
Studies preventive behaviors regarding arboviruses in mainland France to identify levers for action to improve vector control (published in the BEH in July 2018; see the “Publications” tab).
Provides healthcare professionals and local authorities with brochures dedicated to the prevention of dengue and Zika in mainland France.
Provides the general public with informational brochures and posters to promote Zika prevention.
In the event of an indigenous outbreak in mainland France, Santé publique France may also distribute emergency prevention tools.
These tools are available in the "Tools" tab.
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.
Dengue
thematic dossier
Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Its complications can be severe.
