The Regional Health Agency (ARS) Paca reported on August 18. Three cases of human infection with the West-Nile virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, were diagnosed in the region: in Gardanne, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, in Toulon, in the Var, and in Antibes, in the Alpes-Maritimes . This Tuesday, the public establishment announces three new cases, including one more in the Riviera city where “active circulation of the virus is suspected”, is it specified in a press release.
Humans are an “accidental host” of this virus
“In addition to the mosquito control actions implemented, doctors are informed in the sector”, also indicates the ARS, which raises awareness among the population, on site, “of protective measures against bites and symptoms” that may require a consultation. Asymptomatic in most cases, the infection can also manifest as a flu-like syndrome accompanied by a rash or cause, more rarely, neurological complications.
The West-Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly of the Culex genus (different from the tiger), which become contaminated exclusively through contact with infected birds. And, unlike other arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya or Zika, humans are considered an “accidental host”. “There is no human-to-human transmission, nor transmission of the virus from human to human via the mosquito”, recalls the ARS.