Chikungunya & Dengue Cases Surge Since May 1
- VILLEURBANNE, France – Health officials in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region are intensifying efforts to combat the spread of diseases like dengue and chikungunya, primarily transmitted by the tiger mosquito.
- The regional Health Agency and local communities are collaborating to reinforce the message: "Without stagnant water, there is no mosquito." Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes was the second-most affected region in france...
- Epidemiologist Élise Brottet, a specialist in Arboviruses with Public Health France, noted at a press conference in Villeurbanne on tuesday, May 20, that the tiger mosquito's activity period...
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Battles Rising Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Table of Contents
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Battles Rising Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
- auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Your Guide to Mosquito-borne Illnesses
- WhatS Happening in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regarding Mosquito-Borne Diseases?
- What Diseases Are Officials Concerned About?
- How Are These Diseases Spread?
- Why Is the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region Facing Increased Risk?
- what’s the Main Prevention Strategy?
- What Does ”Eliminating Standing Water” Mean?
- What Were the Statistics for 2024?
- When is the Tiger Mosquito Most Active?
- What Should Residents Do if They Suspect an Infection?
- What Are the Common Symptoms of Dengue and Chikungunya?
- Why is Reporting Infections So Critically important?
- What’s the Situation in 2025?
- Where Are the Cases Originating From?
- Which Departments Are Most affected in 2025?
- How Does This Compare to the Rest of France?
- What Lessons Were Learned from 2024?
VILLEURBANNE, France – Health officials in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region are intensifying efforts to combat the spread of diseases like dengue and chikungunya, primarily transmitted by the tiger mosquito. Authorities emphasize eliminating standing water sources, crucial for mosquito breeding, as the region experiences a surge in imported cases.
The regional Health Agency and local communities are collaborating to reinforce the message: “Without stagnant water, there is no mosquito.” Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes was the second-most affected region in france in 2024, with 274 imported cases reported, stemming from residents returning from international travel. Approximately 12% of those cases required hospitalization.
Epidemiologist Élise Brottet, a specialist in Arboviruses with Public Health France, noted at a press conference in Villeurbanne on tuesday, May 20, that the tiger mosquito’s activity period typically extends until November 30. The press conference was held in shared gardens, where municipal agents and technicians from the rhône-Alpes Interdepartmental Agreement for Demoustication conducted an awareness campaign.
“good Reflexes” Key to Prevention
Aymeric Bogey, director of public health at the Regional Health Agency Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, stressed the importance of eliminating potential breeding grounds. This includes properly storing, emptying, and covering any containers that can collect water. Bogey also urged residents to report any potential infections, which often manifest as fever, muscle and joint pain, and nausea.
“Breaking the epidemiological chain” thru prompt reporting is essential to prevent these diseases from becoming established within the region, Bogey stated.
Sence May 1, 2025, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has already detected 68 cases: 37 of chikungunya and 31 of dengue, with 80% originating from the West Indies. The Rhône department accounts for 13 chikungunya and 7 dengue cases, while the Ain and Loire departments report 5 and 3, and 3 and 2 cases, respectively.
Nationwide, more than 1,100 dengue and 900 chikungunya cases have been identified in mainland France since january 2025, affecting 84% of departments.
In 2024, two indigenous dengue cases were detected in the Drôme department. These cases were attributed to the lack of reporting of an initial imported case within the affected families. The current details campaign aims to address this issue and improve reporting rates.
auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Your Guide to Mosquito-borne Illnesses
WhatS Happening in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regarding Mosquito-Borne Diseases?
Health officials in teh Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France are actively working to control the spread of diseases like dengue and chikungunya. They’re focusing on preventing mosquito breeding and managing a rise in cases.
What Diseases Are Officials Concerned About?
The primary focus is on:
Dengue: A viral infection transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.
Chikungunya: Another viral disease spread by mosquitoes, characterized by fever and joint pain.
How Are These Diseases Spread?
Both dengue and chikungunya are mainly transmitted by the tiger mosquito.
Why Is the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region Facing Increased Risk?
The region is experiencing a surge in imported cases.This means that people are contracting the diseases while traveling internationally and then bringing them back to the region.
what’s the Main Prevention Strategy?
The core strategy is to eliminate standing water sources because these are crucial for mosquito breeding.The message from officials is clear: “Without stagnant water, there is no mosquito.”
What Does ”Eliminating Standing Water” Mean?
This includes actions like properly storing, emptying, and covering any containers that can hold water. This prevents mosquitoes from laying their eggs.
What Were the Statistics for 2024?
In 2024, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes was the second-most affected region in France, with 274 imported cases. Approximately 12% of these cases required hospitalization.
When is the Tiger Mosquito Most Active?
According to epidemiologist Élise Brottet, the tiger mosquito’s activity period typically lasts until November 30th.
What Should Residents Do if They Suspect an Infection?
Residents are urged to report any potential infections promptly.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Dengue and Chikungunya?
Symptoms frequently enough include:
Fever
Muscle and joint pain
* Nausea
Why is Reporting Infections So Critically important?
Prompt reporting is essential to ”break the epidemiological chain.” This means preventing the diseases from becoming established within the region.
What’s the Situation in 2025?
As of May 1, 2025, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region had already detected 68 cases: 37 of chikungunya and 31 of dengue.
Where Are the Cases Originating From?
The majority of these current cases (80%) originate from the West Indies.
Which Departments Are Most affected in 2025?
Here’s a breakdown of cases by department:
| Department | Chikungunya Cases | Dengue Cases |
|—|—|—|
| Rhône | 13 | 7 |
| Ain | 5 | 3 |
| Loire | 3 | 2 |
How Does This Compare to the Rest of France?
Nationwide, more than 1,100 dengue and 900 chikungunya cases have been identified in mainland France as January 2025, affecting 84% of departments.
What Lessons Were Learned from 2024?
In 2024, two indigenous dengue cases were detected in the Drôme department. These cases were linked to a lack of reporting of an initial imported case. This has led to a focus on improving reporting rates.