News

• Cluster of invasive meningococcal infections in the Rhône department.

• Flu vaccination campaign continues through January 31, 2016. Health Insurance covers 100% of the cost of the vaccine for individuals targeted by the vaccination recommendations of the High Council for Public Health (page 11 of the 2015 vaccination calendar). The HCSP recommends continuing vaccination campaigns for people aged 65 and older, as well as vaccination for healthcare workers.

• Avian Influenza: The surveillance system for cases exposed to avian influenza viruses in southwestern France is now aligned with the system previously in place for individuals returning from areas outside France affected by the A(H5N1) or A(H7N9) viruses. The updated case definition is available on the InVS website.

• Zika: In recent weeks, the spread of the virus has expanded to 13 countries in Central and South America. Consequently, in mid-December, locally acquired Zika cases were detected in Martinique and French Guiana. Epidemiological and entomological investigations are underway in accordance with the surveillance plan activated in the overseas departments and territories (DFA).

• Ebola Update in West Africa: On December 29, 2015, the WHO declared the end of Ebola virus disease transmission in the Republic of Guinea. Sierra Leone was officially declared free of Ebola virus transmission on November 7, 2015. The InVS has amended the definition of a suspected case accordingly.