Over the period (28/11 to 11/12), the cases are distributed in 8 municipalities: Saint-Philippe, Saint-Pierre, Etang-Salé, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Denis, Sainte-Marie, Saint-Paul and Le Harbor.
An inter-epidemic situation in 2022
After four years of dengue epidemic in Reunion (from 2018 to 2021) with intensive circulation of the virus, the year 2022 was characterized by the installation of an inter-epidemic situation.
The possible acquired immunity in certain neighborhoods, the vector control and sanitation actions associated with weather conditions at the start of the year that were less favorable to the development of mosquitoes (cyclones and heavy rains which eliminated the breeding grounds) made it possible to reduce strongly the transmission of the virus in the island.
This year, just over 1,200 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed, compared to nearly 30,000 cases in 2021. The circulation of the virus has remained at a moderate level during the austral summer and at a very low level throughout the winter (less than 10 weekly cases since mid-July).
Among the confirmed cases, 20% concerned secondary forms (people who contracted dengue a second time).
A slight increase in the number of cases seems to have started since mid-November. A trend to follow in the coming weeks with the austral summer and the return of weather conditions conducive to the development of mosquitoes.
Low health impact of the epidemic this year:
- 195 visits to the emergency room related to dengue have been recorded,
- 61 hospitalizations were reported to the regional unit of Public Health France,
including 24% for severe form,
- 2 deaths classified as directly related to dengue have been reported.
The communication campaign continues
In view of the risk of an epidemic resumption this summer, the ARS and the prefecture have launched a communication campaign to make Reunionese aware of:
- continue the fight once morest dengue fever and mosquitoes:
- eliminate anything that may contain stagnant water at home (cups, small objects, gutters, etc.)
- protect yourself from mosquito bites by using repellent and mosquito nets, especially for infants and bedridden people, but also at doors and windows.
- ROUV BARO! : give a warm welcome to the ARS teams, who go to the courtyards and gardens to provide practical advice to the people of Reunion.
New:
This week, discover the video Testimony of Coraline, a resident of Saint-Paul who welcomed Jean-Wilfred, vector control agent at ARS La Réunion to her home as part of her missions to fight once morest mosquito vectors of the dengue.
Coraline contracted dengue fever in 2021 and was hospitalized at home for 10 days with a high fever. Through her testimony, she invites Reunionese to eliminate mosquitoes in their homes and to protect themselves so as not to contract the disease which can be severe. She also explains why she thinks it is important to “rouv baro” to mosquito control workers.
Jean-Wilfred explains the missions of the vector control teams who go daily to private yards and gardens to accompany and advise them in the elimination of breeding sites (mosquito nests) and the means of protect once morest dengue fever.
Watch the video now on the ARS website.! Click here
(poster, radio spot, video animation…):
Recommendations to protect yourself from mosquito bites and dengue fever
- Eliminate and empty stagnant water, which can constitute breeding grounds for mosquitoes: cups, small containers, gutters, tires, etc.
- Protect yourself, including during the 7 days following the appearance of symptoms to protect those around you (repellent, mosquito net, etc.); and continue to protect yourself, even if you have already been sick with dengue fever before
- Consult a doctor at the first symptoms (fever, headache, muscle/joint pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.) and take the sample in the medical analysis laboratory prescribed by your doctor to confirm the diagnosis of dengue
- If you are sick with dengue fever:
- continue to protect yourself once morest mosquito bites to avoid transmitting the disease to those around you and monitor your state of health,
- consult your doctor or, in his absence, an emergency service in the event of a deterioration in your state of health.
