From November 14 to 27, twelve cases of dengue fever were recorded, compared to three cases for the previous fortnight. The number of cases is increasing slightly in Reunion, but remains at a low level. A new awareness campaign is launched.
The number of dengue cases is increasing slightly in Reunion, but remains at a low level, announced the prefecture of Reunion, Thursday, December 8.
From November 14 to 27, twelve cases of dengue fever were recorded, compared to three cases for the previous fortnight. The cases are spread over eight municipalities located mainly in the west and south of the island: Saint-Leu, La Possession, Saint-Paul, Le Tampon, les Avirons, Etang Salé, Saint-Joseph and Saint-Denis.
The authorities fear “a possible epidemic resumption in the weeks to come, with the arrival of summer and more favorable weather conditions for the development of mosquitoes (heat, rain)“.
After four years of dengue epidemics with intensive circulation of the virus, the year 2022 was characterized by a lower number of patients and the installation of an inter-epidemic situation.
Traffic remained at a low level during the winter of 2022. According to the ARS, “Vector control actions, associated with the appearance of meteorological phenomena less favorable to the development of mosquitoes and the possible acquired immunity of the population in certain districts, have made it possible to reduce the number of cases”.
Since January 1, 1,175 people have contracted dengue fever, 61 people have been hospitalized for dengue fever and 190 visits to the emergency room have been recorded. Two deaths directly linked to dengue have been identified.
In order to raise awareness among Reunion Islanders, the authorities are launching a new communication campaign this week. “Against dengue fever, let’s eliminate stagnant water” and “let’s continue to protect ourselves – ROUV BARO, we are at your side to advise you!”, : these are the two key messages. The objectives are to promote the means of protection and to make the population aware of the reception of ARS teams in their yards and gardens to fight against mosquitoes.
Reunionese are encouraged to eliminate anything that may contain stagnant water at home (cups, small objects, gutters, etc.), protect themselves from mosquito bites by using repellent and mosquito nets, especially for infants and bedridden people. , but also to doors and windows. With the message “ROUV BARO!” : giving a warm welcome to the ARS teams”, the idea is to facilitate the intervention of vector control agents.
The missions of the agents of the Anti-Vectorial Control service of the ARS are to make home visits to sensitize the inhabitants throughout the year. They give them advice on eliminating breeding sites (mosquito nests) in courtyards and gardens and distribute repellents to priority audiences.