Dengue epidemic in Martinique: 28,000 cases and already 12 deaths

According to Public Health France, “the dengue epidemic is actively continuing in Martinique”.

For three weeks, surveillance indicators have converged in favor of a shift in the epidemic phenomenon.

However, the values ​​remain high, well above epidemic thresholds and the recent notification of dengue-related deaths calls for continued vigilance.

(Public health France)

Over the past four weeks (between October 1 and October 25, 2020), nearly 7,500 people have seen a general practitioner for clinical signs suggestive of dengue.

Almost all the municipalities of the island are concerned, and “among them, 17 have very high incidences, greater than 100 cases per 10,000 inhabitants”.

It is Fort-de-France, from Schoelcher, of Carbet, from Saint Pierre, from Basse-Pointe, from Sainte Marie, of Robert, of Lamentin, of François, of Vauclin, from Rivière-Pilote, of Marin, from Saint Anne, from Sainte-Luce, Trois-Ilets, of Diamond and Anses-d’Arlet.

Beware of heavy rains

In addition, the new containment measures in force since Friday, October 30, 2020, “could have an impact on viral transmission” fears the Regional Health Agency (ARS), in addition to the heavy rains.

Individual and collective mobilization remains the best bulwark against the epidemic: destruction of breeding sites, individual protection with repellents, use of mosquito nets, electric rackets.

(Public health France)

Dengue fever is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. It is rampant in the tropics and subtropics of the planet. Symptoms appear 3 to 14 days after the bite of the infected mosquito.

These symptoms range from a mild febrile syndrome to a high incapacitating fever with rash, severe headache, and retro-orbital, muscle and joint pain. But “there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever” recalls the World Health Organization.