Mosquito crackdown as chikungunya cases rise in south-west France
Mosquito control is being stepped up in south-west France after more than 20 locally acquired cases of chikungunya were reported.
Mosquito control operations are being stepped up across parts of south-west France after more than 20 locally acquired cases of chikungunya were identified.
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The outbreaks are mainly concentrated in Gironde and Tarn, with cases also reported near Toulouse.
In Prignac-et-Marcamps, north of Bordeaux, 16 cases have been recorded in a population of around 1,500.
Authorities have launched insect-control operations and are asking residents to remove standing water where tiger mosquitoes breed.
Some outdoor sports activities have also been suspended in the affected commune.
The Asian tiger mosquito is now established in 83 mainland French departments, allowing diseases normally associated with tropical regions to spread locally.
Chikungunya is rarely life-threatening but can cause sudden fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, fatigue and rashes.
Joint pain can sometimes persist for weeks or months.
Residents in affected areas are advised to wear long clothing, use mosquito repellent, cover water containers and regularly empty anything that can collect stagnant water.
The tiger mosquito is particularly active during the daytime, especially in the morning and late afternoon.