Chikungunya Cases Rise in Mayotte; Vaccination Campaign Faces Setbacks
Mayotte is experiencing an increase in chikungunya cases, raising concerns among health officials. While the outbreak has not reached the epidemic proportions seen in neighboring Reunion,the Regional Health Agency (ARS) is actively working to control the spread through mosquito control measures and vaccination efforts. Though, the vaccination campaign has encountered significant challenges.
Current Situation
- Confirmed Cases: As of recently, there are 98 confirmed cases of chikungunya in Mayotte.
- origin of Cases: 41 cases are considered aboriginal (contracted within Mayotte), 29 are imported, and 30 are under examination to determine the source of infection.
- Severity:
It is indeed a virus that is very little lethal, in a case for 1,000, there might potentially be severe cases, which require hospitalization in resuscitation, but it is a very small part of the cases. The majority of cases require only a city medicine consultation, but nothing more. The disease is resolved on average between 5 and 7 days.
according to Tanguy Cholin, head of the department of Security and Health emergencies at the ARS of Mayotte.
diagnostic Procedures
The ARS employs two types of diagnostic tests:
- PCR Test: Used within the first five days of symptom onset, with results available within 48 hours.
- Serology: Used for symptoms that have been present for a longer duration,requiring samples to be sent to mainland France,with results taking 10 to 15 days.
vaccination Campaign Hurdles
The vaccination campaign, initiated two weeks prior, has faced significant setbacks due to reported adverse effects.
- Initial Suspension: The campaign was temporarily suspended after the revelation of three cases of serious side effects, including one fatality.
- Limited Vaccinations: Only five individuals were vaccinated before the suspension.
- Revised Guidelines: The High Authority for Health (HAS) has since restricted vaccination to individuals aged 18 to 64 with comorbidities.
Reassuring Patients
addressing concerns about the new vaccine, Mr. Cholin emphasized the rigorous pharmacovigilance in place:
It is a new vaccine, there is a very pronounced pharmacovigilance: that is to say that we identify all the undesirable, serious and non-serious effects, associated with vaccination. There is this first filter of the High Authority for Health, which reacted, but in Mayotte we made the choice to secure even more by inciting the prescribers to pay attention to the most severe comorbidities, by encouraging them to calculate the benefit-risk balance. For the population of 55 to 64 years, we will make a recall on J+4 to ensure that there is no undesirable affect.
Tanguy Cholin,Head of the Department of Security and Health Emergencies at the ARS in Mayotte
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What is chikungunya?
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, causing fever and severe joint pain.
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How is chikungunya diagnosed?
It is indeed diagnosed through PCR tests in the early stages or serology tests for more distant symptoms.
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What are the symptoms of chikungunya?
Symptoms include fever,joint pain,headache,muscle pain,and rash.
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Is there a vaccine for chikungunya?
Yes,but its use is currently limited to individuals aged 18 to 64 with comorbidities in Mayotte.
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How can I prevent chikungunya?
Prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water.
