in Animals

Serious infections linked to mosquito species in France

responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide every year

Every year, mosquitoes are responsible for over 700,000 deaths worldwide, mainly due to the diseases they transmit, such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika and dengue fever. Dengue fever alone causes 390 million infections worldwide every year.

Invasive mosquitoes: a growing threat

There are over 3,500 species of mosquito in the world, most of which do not transmit disease. However, some species are able to adapt and live in environments that are not their original habitat. Three of these invasive species are already present in France.

Dengue: an expanding disease

Back in 2004, the arrival of the tiger mosquito in France raised the alarm about the transmission of diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Today, another mosquito, the yellow fever mosquito, also capable of transmitting dengue fever, is on the rise. Due to climate change, these mosquitoes are able to live at higher altitudes and latitudes, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Researchers have already discovered that the molecules present in the saliva of the dengue mosquito vector have the ability to weaken our immune system and spread the infection throughout our bodies. Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, muscle and joint pain, rashes and bleeding, which can lead to severe cases and even death.

West Nile virus: a threat in France

In 2020, the West Nile virus hit the headlines in France, with 77 people infected, mainly in the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura. This mosquito-borne disease can also cause serious complications in humans.

Malaria: a worrying increase

In France, malaria cases have been on the rise for several years. In 2019, there was a significant increase in the number of cases compared with the previous year, with 115 cases recorded. It is therefore important to take preventive measures to avoid the spread of this disease.

How to recognize dengue symptoms

Dengue fever is a disease that can be benign in most cases, but can also be serious and even fatal. The most common symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, inflamed lymph glands and a rash in the form of red spots.

How to protect yourself from mosquitoes

The best way to protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases is to prevent mosquito bites. We recommend using mosquito repellents and staying away from areas where mosquitoes are found, especially at dawn and dusk. It's also important to empty any containers of stagnant water, where mosquitoes can breed.

There is also a dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, which can reduce the likelihood of developing a severe form of the disease. This vaccine is recommended for people aged 9 to 45.

It is essential to be aware of the threat posed by mosquitoes and to take the necessary steps to protect yourself, in order to prevent the spread of these dangerous diseases.

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