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 key signs and symptoms of dengue fever that individuals should watch for during this epidemic in Guadeloupe?
**Interview with Dr. Marie Jean, Epidemiologist, on Dengue Fever Epidemic in Guadeloupe**
**Editor:** Good evening, Dr. Jean. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the pressing issue of dengue fever in Guadeloupe, which has recently been declared in an epidemic phase.
**Dr. Jean:** Good evening! Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** To start, can you explain what triggered the declaration of the epidemic phase in Guadeloupe?
**Dr. Jean:** Certainly. The decision was made after the health authorities observed a significant increase in dengue cases, particularly linked to the DENV3 serotype. This particular strain has been largely absent for the past two decades but is now responsible for about 97% of the analyzed samples. The rapid rise in cases has exceeded the seasonal threshold significantly, raising alarms about the potential for a serious outbreak.
**Editor:** What are the specific risks associated with the DENV3 strain?
**Dr. Jean:** DENV3 poses serious risks because it can lead to more severe forms of the disease, especially in individuals who have been infected with other serotypes in the past. This may heighten the severity of the symptoms and complications, putting more individuals at risk of hospitalization.
**Editor:** The authorities are calling for mobilization. What actions can the community take to help minimize the impact of this disease?
**Dr. Jean:** Community involvement is crucial. People are encouraged to eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, wear protective clothing, and use repellents. Additionally, local authorities and health agencies need to coordinate efforts to provide information and resources for vector control. Education campaigns can also empower residents to take preventative measures.
**Editor:** How is the healthcare system preparing to handle the increase in dengue cases?
**Dr. Jean:** Healthcare facilities are on alert, with emergency rooms already seeing a higher number of suspected dengue cases. We need to ensure that hospitals are equipped to manage this influx. Preventative strategies and early intervention are essential to reduce the strain on medical resources and contain the outbreak effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you for these insights, Dr. Jean. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
**Dr. Jean:** Just a reminder that public awareness and individual actions can make a significant difference in combatting this epidemic. We need everyone to come together to tackle this threat. Thank you for highlighting this important issue.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Dr. Jean. We’ll continue to follow this developing story closely.