France Confirms 30 Local Chikungunya Cases Amid Rising Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

France Confirms 30 Local Chikungunya Cases Amid Rising Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
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French health authorities have confirmed 30 locally transmitted chikungunya cases between May 1 and July 15, The Standard reported. The cases were linked to 12 separate outbreaks across the country, with one additional local case of dengue fever also identified.

According to the national health agency, Santé Publique France, these infections reflect a broader geographic spread of mosquito-borne diseases, which are now appearing in regions previously unaffected, such as Grand Est in the northeast and Nouvelle-Aquitaine in the southwest.

Officials have warned that the risk of further local transmission remains elevated, with expectations of additional cases. Alongside domestic outbreaks, France has also seen a rise in imported infections since May, including 799 cases of chikungunya, 581 cases of dengue fever, and one case of Zika virus. The increase in both local and imported cases has raised concerns about the growing presence of disease-carrying mosquitoes in mainland France.

The World Health Organization states that chikungunya and dengue fever are spread by mosquitoes and present with similar symptoms, including high fever, muscle aches, and severe joint pain. Though often non-fatal, these diseases can lead to serious health complications in some cases.