Dengue epidemic declared in Guadeloupe
In the French department of Guadeloupe, in southern Caribbean Sea, the management committee chaired by the regional prefect met this Thursday, November 14 at the prefecture, to confirm the transition to the epidemic phase for dengue fever.
Accompanied by the director general of the ARS and elected officials from the municipalities, the authorities wanted to launch an appeal for the mobilization of all stakeholders involved in the fight: from citizens at home to institutions welcoming the public, including health professionals and businesses, to try to minimize the impact of this disease in the coming weeks.
The epidemic is largely due to the DENV-3 strain, which has not been widely active in the region for the past two decades, they note.
The dengue 3 serotype (DENV-3) is one of four variants of the virus.
The re-emergence of this dengue 3 serotype has raised concerns of severe cases and a significant rise in infections if control measures are not swiftly implemented. Recent data revealed that 97% of 62 samples analysed between September and October were caused by DENV-3.
Cases in Guadeloupe are far exceeding expected seasonal levels, with weekly clinic visits estimated at 540 in late October, compared to around 80 in typical seasons. Emergency room visits have also spiked, reaching 40 cases per week by October’s end.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, 7,265 dengue cases have been reported to date.
Officials say it is imperative to protect yourself against mosquito bites by wearing covering and loose clothing; to use an approved repellent product to apply to all exposed parts of the body (except the face). This protection is essential when you are affected by the disease.
It may be useful to also use a pre-impregnated mosquito net installed above the bed to protect against mosquitoes during naps or at night or on windows and openings to protect interior spaces.
If necessary, use an approved insecticide against adult mosquitoes, respecting the conditions of use indicated on the product.
Use air conditioning if available to limit the circulation of mosquitoes in the home.
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if symptoms (fever, headache, vomiting, fatigue, pain) persist for more than 3-4 days.
Self-medication with paracetamol must respect the maximum daily doses (3 g in adults).
In any case, avoid taking aspirin.
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Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are four closely related but antigenically different serotypes of the virus that can cause dengue (DEN1, DEN 2, DEN 3, DEN 4).
Dengue Fever (DF) – marked by an onset of sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and pain in muscles and joints. Some may also have a rash and varying degree of bleeding from various parts of the body (including nose, mouth and gums or skin bruising).Dengue has a wide spectrum of infection outcome (asymptomatic to symptomatic). Symptomatic illness can vary from dengue fever (DF) to the more serious dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) – is a more severe form, seen only in a small proportion of those infected. DHF is a stereotypic illness characterized by 3 phases; febrile phase with high continuous fever usually lasting for less than 7 days; critical phase (plasma leaking) lasting 1-2 days usually apparent when fever comes down, leading to shock if not detected and treated early; convalescence phase lasting 2-5 days with improvement of appetite, bradycardia (slow heart rate), convalescent rash (white patches in red background), often accompanied by generalized itching (more intense in palms and soles), and diuresis (increase urine output).
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) — Shock syndrome is a dangerous complication of dengue infection and is associated with high mortality. Severe dengue occurs as a result of secondary infection with a different virus serotype. Increased vascular permeability, together with myocardial dysfunction and dehydration, contribute to the development of shock, with resultant multiorgan failure.