Key Points

Enhanced Surveillance of Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika

• In mainland France, Aedes albopictus, known as the "tiger mosquito," is established in 33 departments. In 2017, Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin were classified as Level 1 departments under the plan to prevent the spread of chikungunya and dengue in mainland France, due to the mosquito vector’s long-term presence. These departments are part of the enhanced surveillance system for chikungunya, dengue, and Zika in mainland France, which is active from May 1 to November 30 each year.

• Between May 1 and September 15, 2017, seven cases of dengue and two cases of chikungunya were confirmed in the Grand Est region.

Asthma Surveillance

• In outpatient clinics and emergency departments, asthma-related activity rose sharply in week 37 (September 11–17).

• This increase primarily affects children under 15 and is observed every year in the weeks following the start of the school year.

Allergy surveillance

• In week 37 (September 11–17, 2017), allergy-related activity at SOS Médecins clinics is down. This trend corresponds to what was observed in 2015 and 2016 during the same period.

• According to the RNSA’s pollen and allergy bulletin, all departments in the Grand Est region are classified as having a very low allergy risk.

Mortality Monitoring

• As of September 20, the number of deaths observed over the past few weeks falls within the usual range of fluctuations.

Hepatitis A

• Since January 1, 2017, 56 cases of hepatitis A among residents of the region have been reported to the ARS (compared to 50 cases for the entire year of 2016). The outbreak among the MSM population is spreading to the general population, with an increase in the proportion of women and children affected.