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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What are the symptoms of DENV3 serotype dengue fever that residents in Guadeloupe should be aware of?
### Interview: The Current Dengue Outbreak in Guadeloupe
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Marie Dupont, infectious disease specialist at the Regional Health Agency of Guadeloupe. With the recent announcement about Guadeloupe entering an epidemic phase of dengue fever, can you explain what this means for the local community?
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me. The designation of an epidemic phase indicates a significant rise in dengue cases, particularly with the emergence of the DENV3 serotype, which has not been prevalent in our region for the last two decades. This means that we have a potentially severe situation on our hands, and if immediate action isn’t taken, we could see a very high number of cases.
**Interviewer:** What actions are being proposed to control the outbreak, and how can the community get involved?
**Dr. Dupont:** The authorities are calling for robust collaboration among all stakeholders, including local governments, health agencies, and community members. We need multi-faceted strategies—this includes educating the public about eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, increasing surveillance for new cases, and ensuring quick medical response to those who show symptoms. Community participation is critical; residents are encouraged to report areas with standing water or to join local cleanup efforts.
**Interviewer:** Based on recent statistics, the number of weekly clinical cases has surged. How critical is it that people recognize symptoms early?
**Dr. Dupont:** Very critical. Early recognition of symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, or skin rashes is vital. Individuals who suspect they might have dengue should seek medical attention promptly to get the appropriate care and help in containing the spread. The hospital is already noticing an increase in emergency visits, nearly doubling from last month.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the DENV3 serotype circulating. What makes this serotype particularly concerning?
**Dr. Dupont:** Each dengue serotype can cause illness, but DENV3 is known for potentially leading to more severe forms of the disease, including dengue hemorrhagic fever. Given that this serotype has been largely absent in recent years, it means that the population’s immunity may be lower, increasing the risk of widespread infections and severe complications.
**Interviewer:** What should the public keep in mind regarding prevention?
**Dr. Dupont:** Prevention is key. We urge everyone to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites—use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and use mosquito nets, especially during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active. Additionally, everyone can contribute by eliminating any potential mosquito breeding sites, such as standing water in flower pots or discarded tires.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights. We hope the situation improves soon and that the community stays safe.
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you, and yes, with collective effort, we can minimize the impact of this outbreak.