Traffic remains low but there are still fears of a resumption of the pandemic

During the period (28/11 to 11/12), the cases were distributed in 8 municipalities: Saint-Philippe, Saint-Pierre, Étang-Salé, Saint-Joseph, Saint-Denis, Saint-Marie, Saint-Paul and Ly. port.

Epidemic status in 2022

After four years of a dengue epidemic in Reunion (from 2018 to 2021) with the virus spreading intensely, 2022 was marked by a stabilization of the epidemic situation.

Possible acquired immunity in certain neighbourhoods, vector control and sanitation measures associated with weather conditions at the beginning of the year that were less favorable for mosquito development (cyclones and heavy rains wiped out breeding areas) made it possible to severely reduce virus transmission on the island.

This year, just over 1,200 cases of dengue have been confirmed, compared to around 30,000 cases in 2021. Circulation of the virus has remained at a moderate level during the Australian summer and at a very low level throughout the winter (less than 10 weekly cases since mid-July). .

Of the confirmed cases, 20% are related to secondary forms (people who contracted dengue a second time).

A slight increase in the number of cases appears to have started since mid-November. A trend that will follow in the coming weeks with the summer season in Australia and the return of favorable weather conditions for the development of mosquitoes.

Low health impact of the epidemic this year:

• 195 emergency room visits related to dengue fever were recorded.

• 61 hospitalizations have been reported to the regional unit of public health in France,

including 24% for the severe case,

• There have been two reported deaths classified as directly related to dengue fever.

The media campaign continues

Given the risk of the pandemic resuming this summer, the ARS and the Prefecture have launched a communication campaign to educate Reunionese on the following:

• Continue the fight against dengue and mosquitoes:

• Getting rid of anything that might have standing water in the house (cups, small items, gutters, etc.)

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites with mosquito repellents and mosquito nets, especially for infants and bedridden people, but also on doors and windows.

• Roo Barrow! : A warm welcome to the ARS teams, who go out into the squares and parks to give practical advice to the people of Reunion.

new:

Discover this week video testimony of Coraline, a St. Paul resident who took Jean-Wilfried, ARS La Réunion’s vector control agent, into her home as part of her dengue vector control missions.

Coraline contracted dengue in 2021 and was hospitalized at home for 10 days with a high temperature. Through her testimony, she called for Reunionese to eliminate mosquitoes in their homes and protect themselves so that they do not contract the disease, which can be severe. She also explains why she believes it is important to “rouv baro” for mosquito control workers.

Jan-Wilfried explains the tasks of the vector control teams that go daily to private yards and gardens to accompany and advise them on the elimination of breeding sites (mosquito nests) and means of protection against dengue fever.

Watch the video now on the ARS website.! click here

Recommendations to protect yourself from mosquito bites and dengue fever

• Get rid of and empty standing water, which can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes: cups, small bowls, gutters, tires, etc.

• protect yourself, including during the 7 days following the onset of symptoms to protect those around you (insect repellent, mosquito net, etc.); And continue to protect yourself, even if you’ve already had dengue before

• Consult a doctor at the first symptoms (fever, headache, muscle/joint pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.)

• If you are sick with dengue:

• Continue to protect yourself from mosquito bites to avoid transmitting the disease to those around you, and monitor your health condition,

• Consult your doctor or the emergency service in his absence if your condition deteriorates.