A surveillance study carried out in the Grand Est region has detected that the tiger mosquito is now capable of transmitting two new diseases to humans.
These are the West Nile and Usutu viruses, which are normally transmitted by the common mosquito. These viruses are also transmissible to birds, and there is an increase in cases in France. Scientists estimate that migratory birds play an important role in the chain of transmission, because millions of them cross the country each year, passing in particular through the Grand Est and the Camargue.
Regarding West Nile virus, you should watch for symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, which can progress to neurological complications. However, these symptoms only appear in about 20% of cases. For the Usutu virus, it is important to be vigilant if disorientation, loss of motor coordination, weight loss, or if an enlargement of the liver or spleen is observed.
However, the researchers want to be reassuring about the health risks linked to this discovery. “Thanks to our knowledge of the geographical distribution of the tiger mosquito, we are already able to establish a map of areas where the two viruses could be transmitted to humans,” explains Anna-Bella Failloux, coordinator of the study. This allows health authorities to anticipate, strengthen surveillance and take the necessary measures if cases are identified.
 Pascal Lemontel
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26/06/2023 | 
