Martinique: Dengue fever update islandwide, Nov. 22 /update 9

Event

Health officials have confirmed an additional 3,300 suspected cases of dengue fever across Martinique Oct. 30-Nov. 22, bringing the total to 30,250 suspected cases with 11,475 confirmed cases since Jan. 6. This is compared to 620 cases observed over a similar period in 2019. Disease activity is observed island-wide, with 18 of the 28 municipalities reporting cases. Between Oct. 30-Nov. 22 highest disease activity was reported in Saint-Anne, Basse-Pointe, Saint-Pierre, Le Carbet, Sainte-Marie, Schoelcher, Fort-De-France, Le Lamentin, Le Robert, Le Francois, Les Trois-Ilets, Les Anses-D’Arlet, Le Diamant, Sainte-Luce, Riviere-Pilote, Le Vauclin, and Le Marin each reporting more than 100 cases of dengue fever per 10,000 individuals. This represents the most complete data available as of Dec. 2.

Context

Martinique reported 640 cases of dengue fever in 2019, none in 2018, and 113 cases in 2017. A dengue fever vaccine is available in some countries. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in a country with high dengue fever burden. Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated in a timely manner.

Advice

If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.