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Catarrhal fever: what are the risks for humans?
A scourge for the livestock of French breeders, is bluetongue dangerous for humans? Doctor and journalist Damien Mascret takes stock in the “20 Heures” of Wednesday, September 11.
(France 2)
A scourge for the livestock of French breeders, is bluetongue dangerous for humans? Doctor and journalist Damien Mascret takes stock in the “20 Heures” of Wednesday, September 11.
The bluetongue that is raging in France is wreaking havoc among affected farmers, who are forced to sacrifice their animals. But is this disease dangerous for humans? “There is no risk of contamination”recalls Damien Mascret, doctor and journalist for France Télévisions. Just as there is no “no risk in consuming meat or products” sick animals, he also says.
There is no risk to humans because “the midge that transmits the disease from animal to animal does not bite man”continues Damien Mascret. More worryingly, the tiger mosquito, which attacks humans, is spreading and is carrying dengue fever in particular. There have already been 46 cases of contamination “natives” through this means on French soil since the beginning of the year. A figure which is clearly increasing.