France, Sept. 11 -- France is coming to terms with its biggest-ever wave of the chikungunya virus, with outbreaks from the Riviera to Paris highlighting the growing impact of the spread of the tiger mosquito.

The national health agency, Sante Publique France, reported this week that 382 infections had been confirmed across 38 clusters by 8 September, including 81 new cases in the previous seven days.

The mosquito-borne virus, which causes fever and severe joint pain, has been reported in southern regions for several years.

But this summer marks the first time a locally acquired case has been detected in Paris, where health officials have launched an overnight spraying campaign in the 11th arrondissement to contain the spread.

While se...