From December 12 to 25, eight cases of dengue fever were recorded, compared to nine cases in the previous two weeks. The virus continues to circulate in Reunion but remains at a very low level. The authorities, however, warn the population of Reunion with the arrival of the rains.
The number of dengue cases remains very low in Reunion, announces the prefecture of Reunion, this Thursday 5 January.
From December 12 to 25, eight cases of dengue fever were recorded, compared to nine cases in the previous two weeks.
The cases are distributed over twelve municipalities located mainly in the western and southern part of the island: Les Avirons, Saint-Leu, Étang-Salé, Saint-Denis, Saint-Paul, Bras-Panon, Sainte-Marie, La Possession, Saint- Pierre, Le Port, Saint-Louis and Le Tampon.
However, the authorities fear a resurgence of the epidemic. “With the return of the rains and the onset of the austral summer, weather conditions are becoming more favorable for mosquito development and may raise fears of a resurgence of the dengue epidemic,” explains the prefecture which encourages Reunionese “maintain preventive measures (elimination of stagnant water, use of repellents)”.
The ARS teams continue their action to raise awareness in courtyards and gardens to fight against mosquitoes.
Since January 1, 1,212 people have contracted dengue fever, 61 people have been hospitalized for dengue fever, and 199 emergency room visits have been recorded. Two deaths directly linked to dengue have been identified.
After four years of dengue epidemics with intensive circulation of the virus, the year 2022 was marked by fewer patients and the establishment of an inter-epidemic situation.
According to the ARS, “The 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 some districts, have made it possible to reduce the number of cases”.
To sensitize the citizens of Reunion, the authorities are continuing their communication campaign.
Residents of Réunion are encouraged to eliminate everything that may contain stagnant water in the house (cups, small objects, gutters, etc.), protect themselves from mosquito bites by using repellents and mosquito nets, especially for infants and bedridden people, but also at and windows. With the message “ROUV BARO!” : give a warm welcome to the ARS teams”, the idea is to facilitate the intervention of the vector control agents.
