2024-01-23 01:51:50
5 cases of type 2 dengue fever have been recorded since November between Punaauia and Mahina. Two required hospitalization without serious consequences. If we are not yet talking about an epidemic, health authorities are starting to implement a prevention plan to avoid an increase in cases. The virus is circulating and protection against mosquitoes is more essential than ever.
Caroline Farhi/Eric Tang • Published on January 22, 2024 at 3:51 p.m., updated on January 22, 2024 at 3:52 p.m.
Fernand has the gesture, he neutralizes mosquitoes with an electric racket, this resident of Sainté-Amélie chases them away as best he can. He has never had dengue fever, so in an environment where humidity favors lodging, he is aware that protection is essential. “We go around the house, we empty all the flower pots, sometimes we forget a bucket filled with water”concedes the old man.
A leaking pipe, stagnant water, the ingredients for mosquitoes to thrive. • ©Polynesia the 1st
Increased monitoring of roosts and the use of repellent products are strongly recommended…even if their price is not always attractive. “Even Baygon is expensive, it’s the best product, but it’s expensive,” recognizes Fernand.
In Tahiti, 5 indigenous cases of dengue were recorded in 3 months. A pre-epidemic alert phase which calls into question the health authorities. “We see that the rate is increasing a little with the notification of dengue and this confirms that the virus is circulating. We are still in a pre-epidemic phase, it is not really an epidemic, but with the virus circulating we are starting to prepare for a possible dengue epidemic”, specifies André Wattiaux, doctor responsible for the health monitoring center.
Heat and humidity, enough to attract mosquitoes. • ©Polynesia the 1st
In the event of an epidemic, municipal protection plans are being prepared and health personnel are being trained. The population is called to be vigilant in the face of the virus. “It is important to consult when you have a fever, particularly children since they catch dengue. For example for covid, they could have caught it but there were not many serious things. For the dengue fever, it’s more worrying anyway. Without worrying too much, you should consult a doctor when children have a fever.”insists Doctor Philippe Biarez, Director of Public Health.
The last dengue epidemic took place in 2019. The next one, if confirmed, would not arrive before May.
An additional case of dengue fever has just been detected in Faa’a and spraying is planned in the infected area;
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