The transmission of the disease is slowing down and the number of cases recorded since the beginning of 2022 remains much lower than in previous years (933 cases to date compared to 8,105 cases in 2021 at the same period).
Although the circulation of dengue fever was maintained throughout the austral winter, the vector control and sanitation actions associated with weather conditions less favorable to the development of mosquitoes (cyclones and heavy rains which eliminated larvae) and the possible immunity acquired in certain neighborhoods has made it possible to greatly reduce the transmission of the virus.
Despite everything, we must remain mobilized and cautious, in order to limit the emergence of a new epidemic wave.
The fight against dengue fever is everyone’s business. Reunionese are encouraged to continue prevention: remove anything that may contain water at home, protect themselves from mosquitoes (repellents, mosquito nets) and consult a doctor immediately at the first symptoms.
Dengue fever situation as of April 26, 2022 (Public Health data France Réunion, ARS)
Since January 1, 2022
933 confirmed cases
9 hospitalizations
86 emergency visits
The number of weekly cases has remained stable for the past two weeks, but visits to the emergency room for dengue fever are increasing. The situation still corresponds to an inter-epidemic period. Over the period concerned, dengue fever cases were located in 18 municipalities:
– South (50.4% of cases): Saint-Pierre, Saint-Louis, Saint-Joseph, Le Tampon, Petite-Île, Entre-Deux, Étang-Salé, Sainte-Rose, Les Avirons
– West (30.1% of cases): Saint-Paul, Saint-Leu, La Possession, Le Port
– North (12.2% of cases): Saint-Denis, Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Suzanne
– East (7.3% of cases): Saint-Benoît, Saint-André
In addition, groups have been identified in the following districts:
– In Saint-Joseph: Le Guava
– In Saint-Pierre: Holy Land
– In Saint-Louis: The River
– In Saint-Leu: Cayenne
Since 2021, dengue serotype 1 has been circulating on the island.
Recommendations to protect yourself from mosquito bites and dengue fever
· Protect yourself, including during the 7 days following the onset of symptoms to protect those around you (repellent, mosquito net, etc.); Continue to protect yourself, even if you have already been sick with dengue fever before; several dengue serotypes can circulate and infection with one serotype does not protect against attack by another serotype.
· Eliminate and empty stagnant water, which can constitute breeding grounds for mosquitoes: everything that can contain water at home and all around your home…
· Consult a doctor at the first symptoms: fever, headache, muscle/joint pain, nausea, vomiting… and take the sample in the medical analysis laboratory prescribed by your doctor to confirm the diagnosis of dengue fever.
If you are sick with dengue fever:
– Continue to protect yourself against mosquito bites to avoid transmitting the disease to those around you and monitor your state of health, especially between the 4th and 8th day of illness,
– Consult your doctor or an emergency service if your state of health deteriorates.