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 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.
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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 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.
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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-impregnated 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, 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.
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What are the main symptoms of dengue fever that residents should be aware of during this outbreak?
### Interview with Dr. Marie Desrosiers, Epidemiologist at the Regional Health Agency of Guadeloupe
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Desrosiers. Can you start by explaining what it means that Guadeloupe has moved into the “epidemic phase for dengue fever”?
**Dr. Desrosiers**: Thank you for having me. The declaration of an epidemic phase indicates a significant increase in dengue cases, specifically with the DENV3 serotype, which we haven’t seen much of in the last two decades. This serotype poses a higher risk of severe manifestations of the disease, and our data shows a dramatic rise in the number of cases. It reflects a concerning trend that needs immediate attention from both authorities and the public.
**Editor**: What specific actions are being taken to combat this outbreak?
**Dr. Desrosiers**: The regional management committee, along with various stakeholders, is calling for an all-hands-on-deck approach. This includes heightened public awareness campaigns about preventing mosquito breeding, particularly by addressing stagnant water where mosquitoes thrive. We are mobilizing community resources to conduct fumigation and health education to minimize the virus’s spread.
**Editor**: Could you elaborate on the role of the DENV3 serotype in this outbreak?
**Dr. Desrosiers**: Certainly. The DENV3 serotype is of particular concern because it’s relatively rare in our region and carries a risk of severe dengue fever. Our surveillance indicates that 97% of the recent samples analyzed were of this serotype. If preventive measures aren’t effectively implemented, we could see a significant surge in hospitalizations and severe cases in the coming weeks.
**Editor**: The press release mentioned that the seasonal threshold for clinical cases has been exceeded. Can you clarify what this means for local healthcare facilities?
**Dr. Desrosiers**: Yes, it means our healthcare facilities are already under strain. We’ve seen an average increase of emergency room visits for suspected dengue fever—from about 25 in September to 40 per week now. This trend underscores the importance of early intervention and robust community health initiatives to alleviate pressure on our healthcare system.
**Editor**: Lastly, what can residents do to protect themselves and their families during this time?
**Dr. Desrosiers**: Residents should take preventive measures seriously: eliminate any standing water around their homes, use mosquito repellent, and ensure proper window screens. It’s also vital to stay informed through reliable health channels and participate in community efforts designed to reduce mosquito populations. Together, we can minimize the impact of this outbreak.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Desrosiers, for your insights and recommendations. We hope the situation improves in Guadeloupe soon.
**Dr. Desrosiers**: Thank you for helping to spread awareness about this critical issue.