France reported a first case of dengue fever infection on its mainland yesterday, in the southern city of Nice, and is trying to kill mosquitoes which might be carrying the deadly disease in the area.

The health ministry said it could not exclude an epidemic, and authorities have asked residents to take measures such as using mosquito nets and removing places where mosquito larvae can grow. “This is an isolated case and no other has yet been noticed. The patient is better and in good health,” the ministry said in a statement.

“To prevent any spread of the virus, epidemiological and entomological surveillance measures will be reinforced. Mosquito control measures have been undertaken around the area where the affected person lives,” it said.

“The risk of an epidemic is deemed limited but cannot be excluded, because of the significant numbers of tiger mosquitoes in the area,” it added.

Dengue, transmitted to humans by female Aedes mosquitoes ( including the Asian Tiger mosquito) , causes a flu-like illness for most victims. One strain of it can cause internal bleeding and it can lead to death.

Because of the risk of haemorrhaging, it is essential not to take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication when infected.

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