West Nile spreads in France Patients and labs respond

2026

France 2 reports 161 West Nile infections in France in 2026, circulation in 25 departments and at least five deaths. Stéphane describes contracting it locally in Avignon in August and suffering a rash, vomiting, pain and debilitating fatigue for three weeks. The report explains common-mosquito transmission through infected birds. Olivier Lambotte describes three severe August admissions at Bicêtre, including a death from encephalitis and lasting hearing loss in another patient. Institut Pasteur researcher Rachel Bellone explains regional mosquito-transmission research. The report describes donor-blood screening and says prevention is the available response, with no treatment or vaccine. The toll and medical statements remain attributed to the broadcast and clinicians.

France 2 reports 161 West Nile infections in France in 2026, circulation in 25 departments and at least five deaths. Stéphane describes contracting it locally in Avignon in August and suffering a rash, vomiting, pain and debilitating fatigue for three weeks. The report explains common-mosquito transmission through infected birds. Olivier Lambotte describes three severe August admissions at Bicêtre, including a death from encephalitis and lasting hearing loss in another patient. Institut Pasteur researcher Rachel Bellone explains regional mosquito-transmission research. The report describes donor-blood screening and says prevention is the available response, with no treatment or vaccine. The toll and medical statements remain attributed to the broadcast and clinicians.