Dengue epidemic declared in New Caledonia

Concern in New Caledonia. Over 100 cases of denguewere recorded by the Department of Health and Social Affairs (DASS) on the archipelago since January 1, 2018. This upsurge in cases prompted the health authorities to declare on Thursday February 22 the state of epidemic in the territory. “This year, we are dealing mainly with cases of serotype 2”, explains Jean-Paul Grangeon, deputy director of the DASS of New Caledonia. The virus had disappeared for twenty years which prompts the government to call on the population to be vigilant. “The last epidemic of this type of dengue in New Caledonia dates back to 1998, which means that the Caledonian population is not immune to this virus”, observes Jean-Paul Grangeon.

The proliferation of tiger mosquitoes, vectors of dengue fever, is driven by favorable weather conditions. Outbreaks of dengue have been observed in all three provinces. In detail: 32 cases were identified in Nouméa (nine affected neighborhoods), 33 in Yaté (especially in the tribes of Waho and Touaourou), 16 in Poindimié, 14 in Dumbéa, a few in Lifou, etc.

Enhanced vigilance against dengue

The health authorities invite the population to protect themselves against the risk of transmission of the dengue virus and remind the preventative measures: “destroy the breeding sites by eliminating anything that can collect rainwater near the dwellings (containers, bulky items, gutters, etc.), protect yourself from bites by using suitable repellents, consult a doctor as soon as possible. onset of fever and joint pain and avoid travel in case of illness. “

The DASS is mobilizing to inform the inhabitants on the ground around the housing affected by cases of dengue.

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