They were believed to be defeated by science, vaccination coverage and new lifestyles, but they are making a comeback and are causing concern among health authorities. These “disappeared” diseases, at least in France, claim many victims every year and push doctors to give new advice and take new precautions.

Syphilis

This sexually transmitted infection that claimed many lives in 19^e century, has made a comeback since the early 2000s. The health authorities have started special surveillance for this disease which, in 2014, officially claimed 1.000 victims., 84% among men who have sex with men. In fact, Public Health France fears that this disease, which can lead to cerebral or nervous complications, does not affect many more people.

The scorbuts

It was first in Canada and Australia that doctors began to observe signs of this disease, which was once called the disease of seafarers. It occurs when the body does not get enough vitamin C. Junk food in developed countries is now conducive to the return of this disease which can cause hemorrhages and, in some cases, become fatal.

Scabies

Synonymous with filth and poor societies, scabies are nevertheless making their home in France today, and many cases of infections have been identified by health authorities, especially in places of community living such as nurseries, schools or retirement homes. It causes itching due to the presence of parasites under the skin, and can be treated with a simple treatment.

Measles

This is the major concern of health authorities. Measles had almost disappeared in France, thanks to strong vaccination coverage which is now tending to weaken. Measles has already claimed several lives, mainly adults with compromised health. To fight against this epidemic, the government has made the measles vaccine mandatory for all newborns since 1^er January 2018.

Tuberculosis

For twenty years, tuberculosis has slowly returned to France when it had almost disappeared from the territory. In 2014, 4.827 new cases were identified. A large part of them (36% of cases) are located in Île-de-France. This disease, which is treated by taking a very long antibiotic, worries the authorities insofar as many affected people, living in a very precarious situation, do not complete their treatment.

Botulism

Although its incidence is rare today, botulism still claims a few victims each year. This disease linked to the ingestion of a bacterium, Clostridium botulinium, causes in particular a paralysis of the respiratory muscles which leads to death.. At 19^e century, it has claimed victims among those who consumed improperly sterilized cans. Today, it mainly affects those who consume cold cuts or artisanal preserves.

See also More and more cases of measles in France