Public Health France publishes its epidemiological update on dengue fever. Since the beginning of the year, five cases have been biologically confirmed. Figures that demonstrate the circulation of this tropical flu on the territory. The only concern: the reappearance of serotype 3, after 15 years of absence.
Since the beginning of 2023, five biologically confirmed cases of dengue fever have been identified in the territory: 4 in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and 1 in Kourou. The indigenous status could be verified for four of them, in other words, these cases occur in people who have not traveled to an area where the virus is circulating in the 15 days preceding the onset of symptoms.
In contrast, a DEN-3 serotype (variety) was identified twice. He had not traveled for 15 years on the territory.
Typically, 19 to 44 people are examined each week. No hospitalized cases and no deaths have been recorded confirms Public Health France in its epidemiological bulletin of February 9.
These figures reveal the low circulation of dengue on the territory. The dengue epidemic surveillance, alert and management program is in phase 1 (the weakest). A stage that corresponds to sporadic cases.
The last major dengue fever epidemic in Guyana was in January 2020, Guyana had 2,173 patients, 2 deaths were counted.
Dengue or “tropical flu” is the most widespread arbovirus in the world. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegyptis mosquito. It breeds mainly in water, inside or around dwellings. The fight against dengue relies on individual and collective measures.