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 individuals in Guadeloupe effectively contribute to the prevention of dengue fever outbreaks in their communities?
**Interview with Dr. Marie-Claude Rivière, Epidemiologist in Guadeloupe**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rivière. Can you explain what it means for Guadeloupe to have entered an “epidemic phase” for dengue fever, particularly with the DENV3 serotype?
**Dr. Rivière:** Thank you for having me. The declaration of epidemic phase indicates a significant increase in dengue fever cases, surpassing the seasonal threshold we typically monitor. With the DENV3 serotype emerging—one that has been relatively rare over the last two decades—we could be facing a much larger outbreak than we’ve seen recently. This could lead to a high number of infections if we don’t implement effective control measures quickly.
**Editor:** What specific actions are being recommended to minimize the impact of this outbreak?
**Dr. Rivière:** The authorities are calling for a collective mobilization of stakeholders, including local governments, health agencies, and communities. Efforts will focus on reducing mosquito breeding grounds, particularly by managing stagnant water where mosquitoes thrive. Public awareness campaigns on protection methods, such as using repellent and covering up, are also crucial.
**Editor:** How concerning is the data from Public Health France regarding the increase in clinical cases?
**Dr. Rivière:** Very concerning. The data showing 97% of analyzed samples are the DENV3 serotype supports the need for immediate action. The increase in emergency room visits for suspected dengue—up to 40 weekly in October—illustrates that the virus is spreading quickly. We must act to prevent this from escalating further.
**Editor:** With many stakeholders involved, what is their role in fighting this epidemic?
**Dr. Rivière:** Each stakeholder has a unique role. The government will focus on public health policies and resource allocation; local communities are vital in controlling mosquito breeding sites; and healthcare providers must be vigilant in diagnosing and treating cases promptly. Collaboration and communication among these groups are crucial to frame an effective response.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Rivière, for your insights and for highlighting the urgency of the situation in Guadeloupe.
**Dr. Rivière:** Thank you for bringing attention to this important public health issue. It will take a community effort to protect our population from this emerging health threat.
