The three infected people were in the Var, in La Garde and Pradet, as well as in Eguilles, in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
“I am currently on the mend”indicates ARS in a press release.
But where does this virus come from, whose frequency of infections has accelerated over the past fifteen years, and what are the consequences?
What is West Nile Virus Infection?
West Nile virus infection is a viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, which are themselves infected by contact with infected birds.
“There is no human-to-human transmission, no human-to-human transmission of the virus through mosquitoes”reassures the regional health agency.
The person responsible for the contamination is the so-called “culex” mosquito which, according to the ARS, “it mainly bites in the evening and at night, unlike the tiger mosquito, which mainly bites during the day”.
What are the symptoms?
Most cases are asymptomatic. But sometimes the disease can cause a flu-like syndrome, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches and, in some cases, a rash.
Neurological complications can also arise, but are much rarer according to the ARS.
If you experience symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
What are the tips to follow?
To protect yourself from bites, the ARS recommends favoring loose-fitting, opaque clothing; use repellents, recommended by the pharmacist, on uncovered skin; use mosquito nets on the openings; electric diffusers for interiors and insecticide coils for exteriors.
Vector control interventions are underway, carried out by the Interdepartmental Mosquito Control Agreement, in order to eliminate the situations of proliferation of the culex mosquito.
At the same time, measures have been implemented in the Var and Bouches du Rhône to ensure the donation of blood and organs.
