2024-11-15 04:38:00
Illustration. Mosquitoes in an entomology laboratory in Fort-de-France, Martinique, in September 2010. PATRICE COPPEE / AFP
Guadeloupe has passed “in epidemic phase for dengue fever” with a rare serotype, which could cause “a high number of cases”according to an official press release, released Thursday, November 14 in the evening, calling for everything possible to “minimize” the impact of the disease.
Meeting during the day, the management committee chaired by the regional prefect took action “the transition to the epidemic phase for dengue”specifies this joint press release from the prefecture, the Association of Mayors of Guadeloupe and the regional health agency of Guadeloupe and the Northern Islands.
The authorities are launching “a call for the mobilization of all stakeholders involved” in the fight “to try to minimize the impact of this disease” in the coming weeks.
This year, “a serotype of the dengue virus which has circulated little over the last twenty years”DENV3, makes the authorities fear “serious risks” et “a high number of cases” if “resolute control or prevention actions are not implemented”according to the press release.
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Fight against stagnant water
Among 62 samples analyzed between the end of September and mid-October, “97% are DENV3”according to the latest Public Health France bulletin.
The seasonal threshold for clinical cases (80 weekly cases) is largely exceeded. At the end of October, it was estimated at 540 in community medicine, more than double than in September.
At the hospital, Public Health France noted in October “on average 40 weekly visits to the emergency room for suspected dengue fever, compared to 25 in September”.
The joint statement from the authorities recalled that it was « primordial » to fight against stagnant water, which allows the larvae of the disease vector, the mosquito, to develop. These stagnant waters are often “located around or in homes” and may have been “fueled by recent heavy rains”insists the press release.
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Wearing covering and loose clothing is recommended
The authorities also recommend “wearing covering and loose clothing”the use of“an approved repellent product” and the use of pre-treated mosquito nets.
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The territory is also facing the emergence of a new type of mosquito “highly competent to transmit all arboviruses (dengue, chikungunya, Zika)”according to a press release from the community and the ARS, published at the end of October. These larvaeAedes albopictus were spotted for the first time in the Lorient district, in Saint-Barthélemy, in the north of Guadeloupe, it was specified.
Dengue fever, which can cause high fever, body aches and fatigue, is a potentially fatal infectious disease.
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How can healthcare systems effectively manage the increasing number of dengue fever cases in Guadeloupe?
**Interview with Dr. Marie Dupont, Epidemiologist at the Regional Health Agency of Guadeloupe**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. Can you explain the current dengue fever situation in Guadeloupe?
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me. Indeed, Guadeloupe has officially entered an epidemic phase for dengue fever, specifically due to the rare DENV3 serotype. This is concerning because this particular strain has not been prevalent for about two decades, and it raises serious risks for public health.
**Editor:** What does the declaration of an ‘epidemic phase’ mean for the local population?
**Dr. Dupont:** An epidemic phase indicates that the number of dengue cases is significantly exceeding the seasonal threshold. We are seeing high infection rates, with more than 540 clinical cases reported at the end of October, compared to just 80 when the threshold was established. This necessitates urgent action to mitigate the impact.
**Editor:** The official press release emphasized mobilizing all stakeholders. What kind of actions are authorities recommending to control the mosquito population?
**Dr. Dupont:** The authorities are urging everyone—from local governments to individual citizens—to engage in efforts to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. This includes community clean-up initiatives and increased public awareness campaigns about dengue prevention. We need a comprehensive, multi-faceted response.
**Editor:** You mentioned that 97% of analyzed samples have shown DENV3. What does this mean for future cases?
**Dr. Dupont:** The predominance of DENV3 is alarming. If we do not implement decisive control measures—like reducing mosquito breeding sites and increasing community awareness—we could see a dramatic rise in dengue cases in the coming weeks. The public must be proactive in protecting themselves and their neighbors.
**Editor:** Given the significant rise in emergency room visits, how does this strain the healthcare system?
**Dr. Dupont:** The healthcare system is under pressure, as we’ve noted an increase in emergency visits for suspected dengue fever, nearly doubling since September. This strain can lead to longer wait times and challenges in managing resources. Hence, preventing mosquito breeding is crucial not just for health but for the overall functionality of our healthcare services.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights and recommendations. It’s vital for the community to stay informed and take action.
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for raising awareness on this important issue. Together, we can combat this outbreak effectively.
