Key Points

Enhanced Surveillance of Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika

• In mainland France, Aedes albopictus, known as the "tiger mosquito," is established in 33 departments. In 2017, Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin were classified as Level 1 departments under the plan to prevent the spread of chikungunya and dengue in mainland France, due to the mosquito vector’s long-term presence. These departments are part of the enhanced surveillance system for chikungunya, dengue, and Zika in mainland France, which is active from May 1 to November 30 each year.

• Between May 1 and August 21, 2017, three cases of dengue and two cases of chikungunya were confirmed in the Grand Est region.

Asthma Surveillance

• A slight increase in emergency department activity related to asthma was observed in week 33 (August 14–20). This activity remains within the range observed during this period in 2015 and 2016.

• For the SOS Médecins associations in the region, this activity is subject to significant fluctuations, either increasing or decreasing, depending on the association. The figures are similar to those observed in previous years during the same period.

Allergy Monitoring

• Allergy-related activity among SOS Médecins associations has been declining moderately since week 30 (July 24–30, 2017) and is comparable to what was observed during the same period in the previous two years.

• According to the RNSA’s pollen and allergy bulletin, grass, nettle, mugwort, and plantain pollens will pose a very low to locally low risk in the departments of the Grand Est region.

Mortality Monitoring

• As of August 24, the number of deaths observed over the past few weeks falls within the usual range of fluctuations.