Réunion: Dengue outbreak continues as of late December 2019 /update 2

Event

A dengue fever outbreak is ongoing in Réunion as of late December 2019. According to health officials, at least 24,930 cases were reported between January 2019 and December 22. At least 20 associated deaths have also been recorded. On Tuesday, January 7, 2020, local health officials warned that the current high temperatures and recent heavy rains is ideal for the proliferation of mosquitoes and further spread of the disease is likely. Efforts to find and eliminate mosquito breeding sites are ongoing and are expected to continue over the coming weeks.

Context

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