2024-11-15 04:38:00
Illustration. Mosquitoes in an entomology laboratory in Fort-de-France, Martinique, September 2, 2010. PATRICE COPPEE / AFP
Guadeloupe has passed “in epidemic phase for dengue fever” with a rare serotype that 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.
Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers France threatened by a dengue epidemic
Read later
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 last month “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”underlines the press release.
Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers Dengue: record cases imported into France in an explosive epidemic context
Read later
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-impregnated mosquito nets.
Newsletter
“Human warmth”
How to face the climate challenge? Every week, our best articles on the subject
Register
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 published at the end of October from the Community and the Health Agency. These Aedes Albopictus larvae were spotted for the first time in the Lorient district, in Saint-Barthélémy, 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.
Reuse this content
1731645725
#Dengue #epidemic #declared #Guadeloupe
What are the symptoms of the DENV3 serotype that the local population should be aware of during this dengue fever epidemic?
**Interview with Dr. Marie Dupont, Epidemiologist at the Regional Health Agency of Guadeloupe**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. Guadeloupe has officially entered an epidemic phase for dengue fever, particularly with the DENV3 serotype. Can you explain what this means for the local population?
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for having me. Entering the epidemic phase signifies a sharp increase in dengue fever cases, and in this instance, we are particularly concerned about the DENV3 serotype, which has been relatively uncommon in our region for the last two decades. This strain can lead to more severe cases and a higher hospitalization rate. We strongly urge the public to be vigilant and aware of the symptoms.
**Editor:** What are the authorities doing to combat this rise in dengue cases?
**Dr. Dupont:** The management committee, led by the regional prefect, met to discuss immediate actions. We have initiated a mobilization call for all stakeholders — from health services to local communities — to implement robust control and prevention measures. This includes reducing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, which is crucial in curbing the spread of dengue.
**Editor:** It sounds alarming that the sample analysis shows 97% of cases are DENV3. Is there a specific strategy to address this?
**Dr. Dupont:** Yes, our priority is to enhance public awareness about the importance of eliminating breeding sites, such as standing water in containers, tires, and gutters. We are also increasing health services’ capacity to handle the surge in cases, with a focus on early diagnosis and treatment. Workshops and community engagement initiatives are underway to educate residents on preventative measures.
**Editor:** With the seasonal threshold for clinical cases already exceeded, can we expect the situation to worsen in the coming weeks?
**Dr. Dupont:** Unfortunately, without decisive and immediate action, we do expect the numbers to rise. Our recent data indicates an average of 40 emergency room visits weekly for suspected dengue, which is concerning. We stress that proactive measures can make a significant difference in the impact of this outbreak.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights. It’s crucial for everyone to take precautions seriously during this epidemic phase.
**Dr. Dupont:** Thank you for shedding light on this issue. Together, we can mitigate the impact of dengue fever in our community.
