The territory is entering the epidemic phase of the surveillance, alert and epidemic management program (PSAGE). Since November 2019, some 1,620 cases of dengue fever have been biologically confirmed on the island. 27 municipalities are particularly affected.
1620 confirmed cases of dengue fever have been identified to date in Martinique. 5 serious cases were hospitalized and one death was reported in February 2020.
Several cities are more concerned
27 out of 34 municipalities are affected by the virus at this stage. The sectors most affected are the municipalities of southern Martinique including Rivière-Salée, Sainte-Anne, Sainte-Luce, Le Marin and Trois-Îlets, where viral circulation has been almost uninterrupted for several months.
Faced with this new situation, the prefect Stanislas Cazelles, following a management committee (June 5, 2020), decided to trigger phase IV of the surveillance, alert and epidemic management program (PSAGE) .
This transition to phase IV results in a strengthening of prevention and vector control around three axes:
- Amplified communication with the entire population (posters, radio and TV spots, mobilization of partners and networks, airport, etc.);
- Reinforced mosquito control operations in the most affected sectors;
- Reinforcement of epidemiological monitoring and preparation of hospital structures.
After Covid-19, we are concerned about dengue fever. Faced with these two epidemics, it is everyone’s actions that protect everyone.
(Stanislas Cazelles, prefect of Martinique).
For its part, the Territorial Community of Martinique will increase its resources in the fight against the disease, when the rainy season arrives, generally favorable to the proliferation of mosquitoes, vectors of the virus.
Our actions will be reinforced on the ground to avoid the proliferation of the mosquito.
(Francis Carole, CTM executive advisor in charge of social affairs, health and solidarity)
The Aedes aegypti mosquito or tiger mosquito, the main vector of dengue, zika, chikungunya and yellow fever
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Reflexes to protect yourself
The recommendations for prevention to the population remain the same, subject to having the usual reflexes, in order to protect against the epidemic.
– Protect yourself individually against bites mosquitoes (especially for frail people and young children).
– Avoid the proliferation of mosquitoes by the regular control of all breeding places, the breeding places, which are inside and outside the house. In particular, rain gutters and manholes should not cause stagnation of water.
– Remove the flowerpot cups or replace them with flat bottoms that do not allow prolonged stagnation of water. In anticipation of the coming return of the rains, eliminate or spill all objects likely to accumulate rainwater around homes.
– If symptoms appear (high fever, joint pain, headache) avoid taking medication and see a doctor.
The people of Martinique have a strong knowledge of infectious and tropical diseases and they know the gestures of mosquito control in order to avoid the spread.
You have to keep them in mind and practice them every day.
(Olivier Coudin, Deputy Director of ARS).
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