Dengue fever in Reunion: While cases are decreasing, the southern region remains most affected

The following press release was issued by the prefecture and the ARS: Between May 2 and May 14, 115 dengue fever cases were reported. (as opposed to 164 in the preceding period). The recorded number of events is decreasing. The South is the most severely afflicted region, accounting for 62% of all cases.

Reunion has been in an inter-epidemic state since the beginning of the year. Since January 2022, the number of occurrences reported has remained much lower than the prior year (1,307 cases to date compared to 16,758 cases in 2021 in the same period). Despite a little increase in the middle of April, the overall number of emergency visits has remained steady. Hospitalizations have remained lower than in 2021.

As the southern winter approaches, Reunionese should continue to take precautions against dengue fever mosquito vectors by cleaning up any standing water in their homes, using repellents and mosquito nets, and seeing a doctor as soon as symptoms appear.

Tips for avoiding mosquito bites and dengue fever

To safeguard those around you, protect yourself, even during the first seven days after symptoms begin (repellent, mosquito net, etc.). Even if you have previously been sick with dengue fever, you should continue to protect yourself since multiple serotypes of dengue can circulate, and infection with one serotype does not protect against infection with another.

Remove and dump any stagnant water that could serve as a mosquito breeding habitat. Everything in and around your house that can hold water (cups, small containers, gutters, tires, etc.)

Consult a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, headache, muscle/joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and submit a sample to the medical analysis laboratory recommended by your doctor to confirm the diagnosis of dengue fever.

If you have dengue fever, keep yourself protected from mosquito bites to avoid spreading the disease to others, and keep track of your health, especially between the fourth and eighth days of illness. Contact your doctor or emergency services if your situation worsens.