Three additional cases have been identified since the previous assessment, bringing the total to 33 in Bouches-du-Rhône, 18 in the Var and 18 in Vaucluse.
The region accounts for nearly 40% of infections acquired in mainland France this season, highlighting the continued circulation of the mosquito-borne virus across the Mediterranean area.
France’s traffic monitoring service, Bison Futé, has issued an orange alert nationwide for Friday, 16 October, in the direction of departures, indicating difficult driving conditions.
Nearly half of patients hospitalised
Of those infected, 32 people have required hospital treatment, representing 46% of recorded cases.
Twenty-three patients developed neurological complications, which can include meningitis or encephalitis in more serious cases.
No deaths have been reported in the region.
West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through bites from infected common mosquitoes, which acquire the virus from birds.
Unlike the tiger mosquito associated with dengue and chikungunya, these mosquitoes are particularly active in the evening and at night.
Most infections cause no symptoms, while others may result in fever, headaches, fatigue and muscle pain.
Severe illness is uncommon but can be particularly dangerous for older people and those with weakened immune systems.
Authorities encourage mosquito prevention
Health officials are continuing to monitor infections in humans and animals, with cases also detected in horses across the affected departments.
Residents are advised to reduce mosquito exposure by using repellents, wearing long clothing during the evening and removing standing water around their homes.
There is currently no licensed human vaccine against West Nile virus.
Prevention therefore remains focused on avoiding mosquito bites and monitoring the spread of the disease.