2023-12-23 23:04:48
Dengue fever has almost disappeared in New Caledonia thanks to the numerous releases of mosquitoes carrying the Wolbachia bacteria. It is necessary to remain vigilant at the end of the year, especially if you are returning from a trip to an area infected by dengue, zika and chikungunya viruses.
Noémie Dutertre (and AFP) • Published on December 24, 2023 at 10:04 a.m., updated on December 24, 2023 at 10:12 a.m.
With summer, there are more and more mosquitoes in New Caledonia. It is also the fear of finding arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika.
Stéphane Chabaud, nurse at the health and social affairs department of New Caledonia, specifies that cases of dengue fever are not increasing in the territory: ” Since the start of the year there have been eight cases of dengue fever, the last two cases date back to November. In the territory, dengue fever is not endemic, it is often people returning from travel, there is a particular circulation of arboviruses in South-East Asia. In the Solomon Islands, there is also Zika and dengue.” Athletes returning from the Pacific Games in Solomon Islands were also tested if they showed symptoms.
A Caledonian on vacation “can become contaminated, return to the territory and then develop symptoms“, attests the nurse.
If symptoms of fever or aches are felt following a stay outside the territory, Anne Pfanstiel, doctor at Dass, gives her recommendations: ” All people going on vacation can find out regarding the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out which viruses are circulating in countries. And also I strongly advise protecting yourself from mosquito bites. If you have symptoms upon return, you should take paracetamol, not aspirin. And if there are signs of seriousness, go see a doctor.“
Worldwide, four billion people are at risk of dengue fever, most of those infected are asymptomatic. “I also advise avoiding being bitten by mosquitoes for 7 days following returning from vacation because it is possible to be asymptomatic“, continue Anne Pfanstiel.
Indeed, the World Health Organization warned on December 22 of the sharp increase in global dengue infections this year. More than five million dengue infections and 5,000 deaths from the disease have been reported worldwide this year. The rise in dengue cases is because infected mosquitoes are now thriving in more countries due to global warming coupled with increasing emissions.
In New Caledonia, since 2019, the World Mosquito Program has not relented in its efforts to fight the dengue virus. After Nouméa and Dumbéa, the release of mosquitoes carrying the Wolbachia bacteria began at the end of the year in Païta. Florie Cheilan, sanitary engineer at Dass. “We plan to extend the program to the main municipalities of the North province, Voh, Koné, Pouembo and Poindimé. These are the municipalities that are most affected by viruses“, confirms Florie Cheilan, sanitary engineer at Dass”Almost 70% of the population of New Caledonia is protected. Thanks to mosquito releases, there are fewer epidemics in Greater Nouméa and Nouméa, thus protecting other municipalities.”
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