fever, headaches, body aches… Cases of dengue fever have been increasing in the archipelago for several weeks. Health authorities are on the ground to flush out and destroy larval breeding sites while carrying out prevention.
Guadeloupe has been facing a worrying resurgence of dengue fever since last August. According to data from Public Health France, the archipelago has exceeded the epidemic threshold for nine weeks, i.e. since the first week of August 2024.
The information published by the health authorities shows a rapid and worrying spread of the virus across the archipelago, accentuated by the climatic conditions of the winter season, favorable to the proliferation of mosquitoes.
Thus, the epidemiological situation in recent weeks requires close attention with:
- More than 260 clinically suggestive cases dengue fever were recorded for the week of September 16.
- More than 80 biologically confirmed cases are recorded every week since mid-August.
- Serotype 3 is currently the most represented, a first in Guadeloupe where this serotype has never dominated an epidemic.
The epidemic particularly affects several municipalities in Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. The most affected areas are:
- The Gosier
- The Abymes
- Baie-Mahault
- Petit-Bourg
- Lamentin
- Saint-Francois
- Basse-Terre
- Sainte-Anne
- Saint-Claude
These municipalities are experiencing an increase in cases, and local and health authorities are carrying out investigations to identify the mosquito breeding sites responsible for transmitting the virus.
Dengue fever, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, remains a serious threat to public health in Guadeloupe.
The symptoms are most often flu-like (fever, headache, body aches) and appear within 3 to 14 days (4 to 7 days on average) following the mosquito bite. Dengue affects infants, young children and adults alike. Most often benign although disabling, dengue can however be complicated by hemorrhagic forms.
The proliferation of this mosquito is facilitated by the presence of stagnant water in artificial containers such as flower pots, used tires or poorly maintained gutters.
Hence the regular actions carried out by the Regional Health Agency to remind the population of good actions.
On the ground, in Petit-Bourg, this Thursday, October 3, the teams tirelessly repeat the advice and recommendations, while hunting for larval breeding sites.
Franciane Lareau, head health technician at the ARS leaves nothing to chance.
©Guadeloupe
A little further away, her colleague Gladys Florentine, chief senior health technician, recalls that the cyclonic period is conducive to rainy episodes. Everyone must therefore be extra vigilant.
©Guadeloupe
Faced with this threat, it is essential that every citizen actively participate in the fight against dengue fever by applying the following measures:
- Destruction of larval breeding sites: cover, empty or throw away any container containing stagnant water.
- Use of personal protection: apply repellents, wear long, loose clothing, and use mosquito nets.
- Awareness and mobilization: communities must also ensure the continued management of bulky waste and objects that encourage the proliferation of mosquitoes.
Remembering these simple actions, as well as everyone’s increased vigilance, are essential weapons to slow the spread of the epidemic in Guadeloupe.
