Réunion: Dengue fever outbreak continues /update 2

Event

Health officials in the French overseas department (DOM) of Réunion reported 2119 confirmed cases of dengue between January 1 and May 4. The disease has so far been detected in the north, south, and west of the island. Authorities have implemented public health measures, including fumigation campaigns aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, to hinder further spread of the disease.

Context

The current outbreak is the largest reported in the department since the 1970s.     

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rashes. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals in Réunion are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito-netting or in an air conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds (small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).