The epidemic of dengue fever, an infectious disease transmitted by mosquitoes, has been officially declared in Guadeloupe, which expects an increase in the number of cases.
- Guadeloupe has entered the epidemic phase for dengue fever due to the rare serotype DENV3, which could cause serious forms and a sharp increase in cases, according to the authorities.
- At the end of October, weekly cases in community medicine reached 540, compared to 80 in September, and visits to emergency rooms for suspected dengue fever also increased, from 25 to 40 per week.
- Transmitted by mosquitoes, dengue fever is favored by stagnant water from recent rains. The authorities are calling for a general mobilization, recommending covering clothing, repellents and mosquito nets.
Guadeloupe has officially entered “in epidemic phase for dengue”according to a press release broadcast Thursday, November 14 by the prefecture, the Association of Mayors and the Regional Health Agency (ARS). This resurgence is linked to the appearance of the DENV3 serotype, rare in the region for twenty years, which could lead to serious forms and a significant increase in cases if no preventive measures are implemented.
Faced with this potential epidemic, the authorities are launching “a call for the mobilization of all actors involved” in the fight “to try to minimize the impact of this disease” in the coming weeks.
Fight against stagnant water
The figures show a rapid worsening of the situation. Between September and October, weekly clinical cases increased from 80 to 540 in community medicine, and emergencies recorded an increase in visits for suspected dengue fever, from 25 to 40 per week. Among the 62 samples analyzed between the end of September and mid-October, 97% were positive for DENV3, according to the latest bulletin from Public Health France.
Dengue fever, a potentially fatal infectious disease, causes high fever, body aches and fatigue. Transmitted by tiger mosquitoes, its expansion is favored by stagnant water which allows the larvae to develop. “It is essential to fight against stagnant water around homes […] often fueled by recent heavy rains”therefore insists the press release.
[#Communiqué] DENGUE OUTBREAK
Everyone’s mobilization is necessary! pic.twitter.com/E5mtOVo090— Prefect of Guadeloupe (@Prefet971) November 14, 2024
A new mosquito worries
The authorities also recommend adopting certain actions to slow the spread: wearing loose, covering clothing, using approved repellents or even installing impregnated mosquito nets. And, if symptoms appear, consult a doctor and avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatories.
They also warn of the emergence of a new type of mosquito, Aedes albopictus, “highly competent to transmit all arboviruses”such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Larvae ofAedes albopictus were spotted for the first time at the end of October in the Lorient district, in Saint-Barthélemy, in the north of Guadeloupe.
