Réunion: At least 24,850 cases of dengue fever reported in 2019 as of November 27 /update 1

Event

According to local health authorities, at least 24,850 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Réunion between January and the end of November 2019, resulting in 14 deaths. On Wednesday, November 27, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) warned about the appearance of another type of the virus on the island, resulting in the possibility that one person can be affected twice by the disease. Further spread of the disease is possible in the coming weeks.

Context

In total, since the outbreak began in early 2018, at least 75,000 cases of the disease have been reported, including 20 deaths.

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.).