Highlight - Dengue and Chikungunya: Enhanced Health Surveillance in Midi-Pyrénées

The Aedes albopictus mosquito, known as the tiger mosquito, is a potential vector for the transmission of the chikungunya and dengue viruses. Its presence has now been confirmed in Haute-Garonne (Level 1 of the dengue and chikungunya containment plan), but the risk of contracting the disease is low. Currently, there is no chikungunya or dengue epidemic in mainland France. By adopting simple, individual daily precautions, everyone can help prevent its spread and potential harm. Travelers visiting areas where the disease is present should protect themselves with mosquito repellents. Upon returning to France, protection should be maintained for approximately 15 days. The ARS is implementing enhanced health surveillance for cases of dengue and chikungunya in close collaboration with healthcare providers and laboratory technicians to identify suspected cases early and prevent further transmission. Early and immediate reporting of suspected imported cases will enable an entomological investigation to be launched around the patient’s living areas and, if necessary, vector control measures to be implemented.