France Confirms Continued Chikungunya and Dengue Detections

In Europe, the mosquito vector Aedes albopictus, established in many parts of Europe for years, transmits both chikungunya and dengue viruses.

Recently, France's Public Health Ministry stated that detecting additional dengue and chikungunya cases in 2024 has prompted epidemiological and entomological investigations.

As reported on October 9, 2024, the majority of locally-acquired and travel-related cases have been detected in southern France.

From January to April 30, 2024, 2,271 travel-related dengue fever cases and six imported chikungunya cases were reported.

From May 2024 to October 8, 2024, 1,634 imported cases of dengue fever, including 1,468 in departments where the establishment of Aedes albopictus has been documented, and 16 imported cases of chikungunya.

Overall, France reported 78 locally acquired dengue cases in 2024. In 2023, France reported nine outbreaks of dengue involving 45 cases of autochthonous human dengue virus infections.

In the past, local dengue outbreaks have been reported in Italy, Spain, and Croatia.

As of October 15, 2024, the U.S. CDC says chikungunya and dengue are a year-round risk in many parts of the world, and international travelers should take action to prevent infections. The CDC has identified more than expected mosquito-transmitted cases among U.S. travelers returning from various countries.