The dengue epidemic which has been raging in the West Indies since mid-August is intensifying: 3 people, including a child, have died from the tropical disease transmitted by mosquito bites in the last 15 days.
- Martinique and Guadeloupe have been in the dengue epidemic phase since mid-August.
- Over the past 15 days, 3 people, including a 9-year-old boy, have died from the disease in Martinique.
- The Caribbean island exceeded the threshold of 1,000 weekly cases of dengue fever last week.
Dengue fever, a viral disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes of the genus Aedeshas been in an epidemic phase in Martinique and Guadeloupe since mid-August. Despite preventive measures, the disease is progressing on both islands. Since September 18, three people, including a child, have died on Martinique soil.
Dengue in Martinique: 3 deaths in 15 days
The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Martinique specified in a press release sent on the evening of Thursday, October 5 that according to information obtained by Santé Publique France, these three deaths are “directly attributable to dengue after collegial medical examination”.
The youngest victim was 9 years old and lived in the town of Anses-d’Arlet in the south of the island. The mayor of the town, Eugène Larcher, told AFP that the CM1 student had died this week after several days of hospitalization. He added : “we have set up a psychological listening unit” within the boy’s school. The health authorities and the ARS were warned and operations of mosquito control are underway in the municipality.
According to the latest weekly bulletin from Public Health France on the situation in the Antilles, Martinique exceeded 1,000 cases of dengue fever per week last week. The ARS specifies in its communication: “since the start of the epidemic, there have been thirteen serious cases, including six deaths.”
Dengue fever: what are the symptoms to look out for?
According to’ARS of Martinique, the first symptom revealing tropical disease is the sudden onset of fever. It is generally accompanied by one or more of these signs:
- joint and/or muscle pain;
- headaches ;
- a feeling of great fatigue;
- skin rashes: small pimples that are not very itchy.
Since dengue fever is a mild infection in the majority of cases, these symptoms usually disappear within 2 to 5 days. However, it can take a serious form. “In 2 to 4% of cases, there may be a progression to a severe form (2 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms). The patient may then develop signs of seriousness”specifies ARS Martinique.
The organization therefore calls on patients to consult a doctor quickly if beyond 4e day of infection, they present:
- a sudden drop in temperature;
- worsening pain in the stomach or chest;
- persistent diarrhea or vomiting;
- discomfort with or without loss of consciousness;
- bleeding from the nose and/or gums;
- a cough ;
- breathing difficulties;
- abnormal drowsiness.
Recovery from dengue fever is also quite trying. “Dengue is a very tiring disease. It takes between 15 days and 3 weeks to recover”explained Sylvie, a resident of Martinique who contracted dengue fever in April 2023, to Quelle Docteur. “Besides, since you don’t eat, because you don’t have an appetite, you don’t regain your strength. It’s a vicious circle.”
