26 Feb 2024 | 02:20 PM UTC
French Guiana: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas, especially Ile de Cayenne, in February /update 1
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in French Guiana, especially Ile de Cayenne, in February. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in French Guiana, with an additional 3,754 cases reported from Jan. 29-Feb. 11, bringing the total case count to 5,965 (3,929 confirmed cases) since Jan. 1. This is compared to the five confirmed cases reported during a similar period in 2023. Ile de Cayenne (3,070 cases) is the most affected, followed by Savanes (658 cases), Littoral Ouest (396 cases), Oyapock (128 cases), and Maroni (74 cases). Local health officials urge the public to take the necessary disease prevention measures against mosquito bites, including wearing long-sleeved clothing when outside, using mosquito repellent, using mosquito nets, and removing standing water. This report represents the most complete data available as of Feb. 26.
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.
Dengue fever is a year-round, nationwide risk in French Guiana. Health authorities reported roughly 2,684 confirmed dengue fever cases in French Guiana in 2023, two confirmed cases in 2022, 1,756 cases in 2021, 8,759 cases in 2020, and 250 cases in 2019.
There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in a country with a high dengue fever burden. Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. 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 promptly.
