Red spot, itching, fever, aches, all characteristic symptoms of chickenpox. Every year, in France, 700,000 cases are recorded by the health authorities, 90% of them involving children under 10 years old.
On his site internet, the Sentinels network, which carries out epidemiological surveillance, notes “moderate activity” of chickenpox between 04/15/2024 and 04/21/2024. In recent weeks, the Sentinels network has recorded “moderate activity”.
“In mainland France, last week (week 16 of 2024), the incidence rate of cases of chickenpox seen in general medicine consultations was estimated at 29 cases per 100,000 inhabitants”we can read in the summary of the bulletin published on April 24, 2024.
However, the Sentinels network emphasizes that “subject to future consolidation of data, this rate is decreasing compared to the previous week (consolidated data for week 15 of 2024) and corresponds to a level of activity similar to those usually observed during this period” .
Chickenpox map 2024: which regions are most affected?
Chickenpox does not circulate in the same way depending on the region. Here are the regions which have a particularly high incidence rate:
- Brittany,
- Occitania,
- the Pays de la Loire.
Here is the map of the regions of metropolitan France affected by chickenpox.
Chickenpox: how to relieve itching?
Next to a chickenpox diagnosisHealth Insurance specifies that the doctor can prescribe antihistamines “in case of scratching due to itchy skin”as well as the application of an antiseptic solution, a product used to fight skin infections.
For people with severe form of chickenpox, a doctor may prescribe antiviral treatment. This is particularly the case for:
- pregnant women 8 to 10 days before giving birth;
- newborns with neonatal chickenpox;
- children under 1 year old with a severe form of chickenpox;
- children or adults suffering from complicated chickenpox, in particular varicella pneumonia;
- people with immunodeficiency.
Attention, “chickenpox is a viral disease and does not require antibiotic treatment”, insists Health Insurance, which specifies that “chickenpox is caused by a virus. However, antibiotics are only effective against bacteria.”
Sources :
- Situation observed in mainland France for week 16 of 2024, from 04/15/2024 to 04/21/2024 – Réseau Sentinelles
- Diagnosis and treatment of chickenpox – Health Insurance
