Latest news with #SantéPubliqueFrance
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Urgent warning for Irish holidaymakers heading to European sunshine spot over ‘mosquito' virus
IRISH holidaymakers heading to a European sunshine spot this summer have been warned over new cases of a deadly "mosquito" virus. Health chiefs in France have reported 583 imported cases of chikungunya - a mosquito-borne disease that causes acute fever and joint pain, and there's no cure, but it can be fatal. Advertisement 4 The tiger mosquito arrived in southern Europe in the first decade of this century Credit: Alamy 4 It can cause fever and severe joint pain, as well as muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash Credit: Getty 4 There are 583 cases reported in France as of June 18, 2025 Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk According to recent data published by Santé Publique France, international travellers are returning to mainland France infected with various mosquito-transmitted diseases. As of June 18, 2025, France reported 583 cases of chikungunya over the past six weeks. And another two unrelated indigenous local cases of chikungunya have also been identified in 2025. Chikungunya is a viral infection caused by the Advertisement Read more in Health The virus is transmitted from human to human by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. It can cause fever and severe joint pain, as well as muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Serious complications are not common, but in older people it can contribute to the cause of death. The name of the disease means "to become contorted" in the Advertisement Most read in Health Most patients recover after a few days but in some cases, the joint pain may persist for weeks, months or even longer. The tiger mosquito, also known as Aedes albopictus, arrived in southern What are the signs and symptoms of dengue fever? These are tropical and subtropical mosquitoes found in the warmer parts of the world, especially Known for the black and white stripes along its body and legs, it can transmit several tropical diseases, including chikungunya, Advertisement CLIMATE CHANGE Health experts say the bug has thrived on the continent in part because of Warmer weather conditions have shortened the time it takes to develop, while winters are no longer cold enough to kill off the pests. SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR THE symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue and Zika, making chikungunya easy to misdiagnose. Here are eight symptoms to watch out for: Fever Severe joint pain Joint swelling Muscle pain Headache Nausea Fatigue Rash. Chikungunya disease onset is typically 4–8 days (range 2–12 days) after the bite of an infected mosquito. Most patients recover fully from the infection; however, occasional cases of eye, heart, and neurological complications have been reported. Patients at extremes of the age spectrum are at higher risk for severe disease, including newborns infected during delivery to infected mothers or bitten by infected mosquitoes in the weeks after birth. And older people with underlying medical conditions. Patients with severe disease require hospitalisation because of the risk of organ damage and death. Health chiefs in France also identified 395 imported cases of dengue fever, and 2 imported cases of Zika. Dengue fever can also cause severe muscle pain and joint pain in those infected. Advertisement About one in 10 of those infected will develop severe dengue, which can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death. They said that the Aedes albopictus mosquito has been established in southern France since 2004 and has been gradually spreading since then. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said that chikungunya is a notifiable disease in Ireland. CHIKUNGUYA TREATMENT They added that the treatment for chikungunya involves pain relief and anti-fever medication. Advertisement There is currently no vaccine against the Chikungunya virus. And travellers to affected areas are advised to prevent mosquito bites. HPSC said: "People who have visited an area affected by chikungunya, and who develop a high fever along with unexplained joint pain in the 12 days after their return are advised to seek medical attention. "Travellers to affected areas are advised to prevent mosquito bites. Advertisement "Pregnant women, immunosuppressed people and people suffering from a severe chronic illness should consult their physicians prior to the travel in order to assess their risk and get recommendations on personal preventive measures." 4 There is currently no vaccine against the chikungunya virus Credit: Getty
LeMonde
2 days ago
- Climate
- LeMonde
Schools close, nuclear reactor shuts down and pollution peaks as France's heatwave drags on
Red and orange warnings have covered nearly the entire country, with only a few green patches along the English Channel, as France endures its first major heatwave of the season. On Tuesday, July 1, and Wednesday, July 2, France is bracing for the peak of an exceptionally long and intense heatwave that has already persisted for 13 days. On Monday afternoon, Météo-France, the French national meteorological service, prepared the country by placing 16 departments on red alert, the highest surveillance level set in consultation with the public health agency Santé Publique France and the Directorate General for Health. All departments in the Paris region were included, along with parts of the Centre-Val de Loire and Grand-Est regions. Another 68 departments remain on orange alert. Only five departments in the northwest, benefiting from maritime air, escaped the extreme heat. Today, 88% of mainland France's population is living in departments under close watch. "This is unprecedented in terms of area covered," said Minister for Green Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher, noting that "only" 81 departments were placed on orange alert on July 23, 2019. "This heatwave is remarkable for how early it began and how long it is lasting, probably about 15 days," analyzed Matthieu Sorel, a climatologist at Météo-France, recalling that the 1976 heatwave, the longest in recorded history, lasted 14 days. "But we are currently experiencing much higher temperatures. Global warming has taken its toll," he added.
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Business Standard
30-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
France to ban smoking in public spaces where kids are present from July 1
Starting July 1, France will ban smoking in public spaces like parks, beaches, and bus stops to protect children's health; violators may face fines up to 135 euros ($154) Barkha Mathur New Delhi France is saying 'non' to puffing in public where children are around. Starting this July, lighting up a cigarette at the beach or bus stop in France might land you a hefty fine. In a move hailed by health advocates, the French government is set to roll out tough new anti-smoking rules to keep public spaces, especially those frequented by children, smoke-free, according to media reports. Why is France banning smoking in outdoor public places? French Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin explained in an interview published by the regional Ouest-France daily on its website that tobacco 'must disappear where there are children.' She added, 'The decision is rooted in public health, particularly for children. The freedom to smoke stops where children's right to breathe clean air starts.' The restrictions will take effect on July 1 and will cover all outdoor areas where children are likely to be present, including beaches, parks, public gardens, school surroundings, bus stops, and sports venues, she said. According to Santé Publique France (Public Health France), the French national public health agency reporting to the Ministry of Health, about 75,000 people die from tobacco-related complications each year in the country. The government wants to take stronger steps to reduce this number and ensure that children are not exposed to secondhand smoke in open, public areas. Where will smoking be banned under the new rules? Public parks and gardens Beaches School surroundings Sports stadiums and grounds Bus and tram stops The aim is to create tobacco-free zones in all places where children and families gather. What is the penalty for breaking France's new smoking ban? If you're caught smoking in a restricted outdoor area, you could face a fine of up to €135 ($154). French authorities plan to actively enforce the new rules, with signage and public awareness campaigns to support compliance. Are there exceptions to the smoking ban in France? There are two notable exceptions: Café terraces are exempt, meaning adults can still smoke while sipping coffee outside a café Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or vapes) are not included in this ban, though France is working on tightening vaping regulations soon Do French citizens support the outdoor smoking ban? According to a survey cited by news agency AFP, 62 per cent of French citizens support a ban on smoking in public spaces. That's nearly two out of three people. How widespread is smoking in France today? According to a report by the French Observatory of Drugs and Addictive Behaviours, a non-profit organisation that collects data on drug use and addiction and evaluates public policy, smoking is declining in the country, particularly among teens. It found that daily smoking among 17-year-olds has dropped by nearly 16 percentage points since 2011. However, vaping is becoming more common, with 56.9 per cent of 17-year-olds having tried it at least once. France joins global efforts to tighten tobacco laws France is joining a growing list of countries stepping up their tobacco control measures. Spain recently proposed expanding its own smoking bans to include terraces, university campuses, and open-air nightclubs. The UK is banning all single-use disposable vapes starting June 1 and is debating further restrictions on smoking in public spaces. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chikungunya virus outbreak kills six on France's Réunion Island
Six people have died from chikungunya on the French overseas department of Réunion Island since the start of the year, health officials confirmed on Wednesday. The mosquito-borne virus has infected more than 33,000 people on the island so far. The deaths, between 10 and 30 March, were of people aged over 70 with underlying health conditions, the latest bulletin from France's public health agency, Santé Publique France said. The agency also said that several other deaths were being investigated to determine whether the virus was a factor. An epidemic was declared on Réunion Island on 13 January, following a surge in cases that began in August 2024. Health officials linked the outbreak to rising mosquito numbers during the summer and low immunity levels in the island's population of around 900,000. Health officials say the situation remains serious, despite some early signs of improvement. Reunion Island launches emergency health plan amid chikungunya epidemic Chikungunya is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, a rash and joint pain. It can be particularly dangerous for older people, pregnant women, babies and those with chronic illnesses. In the week from 31 March to 6 April, a total of 4,913 new cases were confirmed, down from nearly 6,300 the week before. Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:Cyclone death toll rises to four on ravaged French islandTwo die from chikungunya as virus spreads on France's Reunion IslandRéunion Island company revives ancient fermentation technique to boost health
Local France
14-04-2025
- Health
- Local France
France launches summer Covid-19 vaccine renewal campaign
On Monday, the French government launched a new Covid-19 booster vaccination campaign aimed at elderly and vulnerable people. The campaign will run until at least June 15th, 2025. It may then be extended into July, if health officials think it necessary. The pre-summer vaccine drive was recommended by France's national health authority, the Haute Autorité de Santé, in a report published in March. Despite the fact that it has now been over five years since the start of the pandemic, the latest variant of the virus is still circulating in France, though at lower levels than in years previous. In its most recent bulletin, Santé Publique France said that there were no immediate public health concerns about Covid-19. However, certain groups are still at risk of developing a severe form of the disease, especially ahead of the busy summer travel season. Advertisement As such, the latest campaign will target: Anyone aged 80 and over; Anyone with weakened immune systems, regardless of their age; people residing in care homes or long-term care units, regardless of their age; and any person at very high risk according to each individual medical situation and as part of a medical decision shared with the care team. Vaccinations can be repeated three months after the last injection or last Covid-19 infection. Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities will be able to receive this new injection directly at their facility. For everyone else, the vaccine may be administered by general practitioners or specialists, pharmacists , nurses, midwives, or hospital departments where the person is being treated. Vaccinations against Covid-19 are entirely reimbursed the French public health insurance system, for people who are registered . READ MORE: The different ways you can make a doctor's appointment in France
