Key Points

132 reports of suspected cases of chikungunya and/or dengue have been received since May 1, 2015. Eight imported cases of dengue and one imported case of chikungunya have been confirmed (all acquired during travel to an endemic area). Following the confirmation of two locally acquired cases of dengue on August 19, 2015, in two individuals residing in the same household in Nîmes, an active search for suspected cases was organized. As of August 28, 2015, four suspected cases have been identified and are awaiting confirmation. The investigation into a potential index case is currently underway: an epidemiological link has been found between a confirmed imported case of dengue and the two locally acquired cases.In this context, general practitioners and laboratories in the Gard department have been reminded to remain vigilant and to consider the possibility of dengue virus infection in cases of sudden-onset fever (>38.5°C) associated with at least one pain-related symptom (headache, joint pain, lower back pain, muscle pain, retroorbital pain) and with no other apparent source of infection. We remind you of the importance of reporting to the Languedoc-Roussillon Regional Health Agency

• any suspected case of imported AND locally acquired dengue for individuals residing in the Gard department or regularly visiting the Gard,

• and all suspected imported cases only for other departments.

Each report is subject to investigation to guide control measures (vector control). Furthermore, testing for dengue AND chikungunya must be systematically requested in all cases of suspected dengue and/or chikungunya.

Hospital and medical activity in the region: no particular trends observed.