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A first case of dengue fever detected in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Press release
August 25, 2026
The first locally acquired case of dengue fever has been detected in Marseille (12th arrondissement). This is the first confirmed case in our region this year. Immediate measures are being implemented to limit the risk of further spread.
A case is considered autochthonous when a person contracts the disease within the national territory and has not traveled to an infected area in the 15 days preceding the onset of symptoms. As a reminder, dengue is transmitted from person to person through the bite of a mosquito (the tiger mosquito, present in mainland France) infected with the dengue virus.
On-the-ground actions to stop the spread of the virus
Following the declaration to the ARS of this first confirmed case of dengue, management measures were immediately put in place to limit any risk of the virus spreading.
Mosquito control operations are being carried out by the Interdepartmental Agreement for Mosquito Control on the Mediterranean Coast (EID) in public areas as well as in private gardens located near places of exposure frequented by the affected person. The objective is to quickly eliminate mosquitoes likely to transmit the virus, as well as their breeding sites.
In addition, teams from the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and Public Health France, supported by the City of Marseille, will conduct field investigations, including door-to-door visits in the affected neighborhoods. These visits will help identify any secondary cases in the area, raise awareness among residents, and provide recommendations to avoid mosquito bites and prevent mosquito breeding.
These interventions are complemented by enhanced awareness campaigns for healthcare professionals led by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) and Public Health France. Healthcare facilities, general practitioners, medical testing laboratories, and pharmacies in the area are mobilized to increase vigilance, facilitate the diagnosis of individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of dengue fever, and remind people of protective measures against mosquito bites.
Healthcare professionals at the heart of the fight against the virus
The detection of this first case illustrates the essential role of healthcare professionals in the fight against dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. By quickly identifying patients with suggestive symptoms, prescribing appropriate laboratory tests, and promptly reporting confirmed cases to the Regional Health Agency (ARS), they enable the immediate implementation of vector control measures and epidemiological investigations.
The ARS Paca (Regional Health Agency of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) is calling on all doctors in the region to maintain a high level of vigilance regarding any suspected case of dengue fever, including in patients who have not traveled. Rapid diagnosis and reporting are crucial to the effectiveness of measures implemented to protect the population and prevent the emergence of new cases.
By changing their behavior, everyone can protect themselves and their loved ones by limiting the spread of the virus in the region.
- Protecting yourself from mosquito bites
It is recommended to:
- apply a skin repellent, particularly in the morning and at the end of the day;
- install mosquito nets for newborns or bedridden people;
- wear loose-fitting, covering clothing.
Insect repellent bracelets, essential oils, ultrasonic sound devices, sticky tapes, papers and stickers, whose effectiveness has not been demonstrated, are not recommended.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suggestive symptoms (especially after visiting an area or neighborhood where viruses are circulating) : high fever, joint or muscle pain, fatigue, headache, skin rash.
If symptoms appear, protection against mosquito bites is essential. Indeed, an infected person can transmit the virus to mosquitoes up to 7 days after the onset of symptoms (even if the symptoms have disappeared).
- Limit your movements if you have symptoms
During this 7-day period, a mosquito bite can transmit the virus present in the blood to the mosquito and contribute to the spread of the disease to new areas. To prevent the spread of the virus and protect those around you, it is therefore recommended to limit your travel for the 7 days following the onset of symptoms.
- Prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes
Eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes lay their eggs and develop:
- empty plant saucers and anything else that holds small amounts of water (garden furniture, tarpaulins, etc.) at least once a week;
- store away from the rain everything that can contain water (children's toys, buckets, watering cans);
- Seal water reserves tightly or cover them with mosquito netting.
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Un premier cas autochtone de dengue a été détecté à Marseille (12e). Il s’agit du premier cas confirmé dans notre région cette année. Des mesures immédiates sont mises en œuvre pour limiter les risques de propagation.
www.paca.ars.sante.fr
