A case of dengue fever has been reported in Aimargues, in the Gard. The infected person has not recently traveled to an area where the virus is circulating. He or she is currently hospitalized. Preventive measures will be put in place to avoid the spread of the virus.
The tiger mosquito can transmit the dengue virus after biting an infected person. © frank60 / Shutterstock.com
A case of dengue fever has been identified in Aimargues, a town located around twenty kilometers southwest of Nîmes, in the Gard, announced the Regional Health Agency (ARS) Occitanie this Thursday August 8. The infected person, who has not recently traveled to an area where the virus is circulatingis currently hospitalized and being treated by health services.
This case is the second recorded in Occitanie this season, after the 22 indigenous cases reported in 2023. Dengue fever, transmitted by the bite of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), causes symptoms similar to those of the flu, such as high fever, joint pain and severe headaches. Although generally benign, this disease can be temporarily disabling.
Measures to prevent the spread of dengue fever in the Gard
To prevent the spread of the virus, preventive measures are being put in place in Aimargues. A targeted mosquito control operation is planned for this Thursday, August 8 in the areas frequented by the sick person, particularly around Mas d’Andron.
“If you have signs suggestive of dengue fever, if you have stayed or taken part in an outdoor activity in the Mas d’Andron area, consult your doctor”also warns the ARS. Also, awareness-raising among health professionals on the reporting of new cases of dengue is carried out on August 8 and 9. The fight against dengue requires collective mobilization to limit the spread of the virus.
