France confronts rising dengue threat as tiger mosquito spreads

The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), smaller than the common mosquito and active during daylight, thrives in urban containers of stagnant water. It can transmit up to 22 viruses, notably Zika, dengue and chikungunya. France’s regional health agency (ARS Nouvelle‑Aquitaine) and private operator Altopictus are targeting the species for control.

The insect has expanded across mainland France, now present in 83 of the 96 departments. Autochthonous dengue cases have emerged, with 30 locally transmitted infections recorded between May and November 2025 and a first domestic case reported in July 2026 in Carmaux, Tarn. Surveillance also identified the first human West Nile virus infection in the Pyrénées‑Orientales in July 2026.

Health authorities have intensified monitoring of dengue, Zika and chikungunya and advise the public to eliminate stagnant water in containers to curb mosquito breeding.