6476 dengue cases have been confirmed since the beginning of the year on Reunion Island, 138 of which led to hospitalization.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

In addition, health officials have reported 20 cases of severe dengue fever, including 3 deaths.

Health officials remind the public:

  • Eliminate the water containers around his house and waste promoting larval breeding (empty saucers, small containers, respect the days of waste collection …)
  • Protect yourself against mosquito bites (diffusers, repellents, covering clothes, mosquito nets …)
  • Consult your doctor if symptoms of the disease appear and continue to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes and caused by any of four related dengue viruses (DENV-2 serotype is prevalent in this outbreak). This disease used to be called “break-bone fever” because it sometimes causes severe joint and muscle pain that feels like bones are breaking.

People get the dengue virus from the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It is not contagious from person to person.

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There are three types of dengue fever in order of less severe to most: the typical uncomplicated dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHS) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS).