France

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• During the first quarter of 2007, 18 cases of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome caused by Puumala virus (Hantavirus family) were reported. Cases occur mainly in the north-east of the country.
• In July 2007, cases of swans dead of avian flu in eastern France were reported. No case of human transmission was observed.

FOOD SAFETY

• There are no specific recommendations for a trip in France.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• No specific immunization is required from travelers entering the country.
Systematically:
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.
• Tick-borne encephalitis: for stays in rural areas or for hikers. The immunization is available for children at least one year old.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Paris
• Hôpital Pitie Salpetriere, 47-83 boulevard de l'Hôpital: phone + 33 1 42 16 00 00



Marseille
• C.H.P Beauregard, 23 rue du Lido: phone + 33 4 91 12 12 12, fax + 33 4 91 12 10 15



Lyon
• Hôpital Edouard Herriot, 5 Place d'Arsonval: phone + 33 4 72 11 73 11

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen: 18
• Police: 17
• Ambulances: 15

CLIMATE

• The climate is temperate, with four main climatic areas.
• In western France, the climate is oceanic and wet, with sweet winters and often cool summers.
• In Alsace, Lorraine, within the Rhone corridor and in mountains areas (Alps, Pyrenees, Massif Central).
• In the north, in the Parisian and Centre regions, the climate is intermediate with cold winters and hot summers.
• The south of France has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and scorching summers.
• When to go: between May and September.