Mauritius - Dengue cases 2024

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11 cases of dengue fever recorded at the start of the year

JANUARY 9, 2024

BY CLEMENTINE-JULIETTE MÉLANIE
Contact: clementine@radioplus.mu

11 cases of dengue were recorded at the start of the year.

The symptoms are manifested by high fever, headache, and muscle pain, explains Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, from the Ministry of Health, in a statement to RadioPlus this Tuesday, January 9.

Treatment of dengue fever requires admission to a hospital center.

Health reiterates its appeal to the population to take the necessary precautions to avoid the proliferation of mosquitoes, vectors of the disease.

https://defimedia.info/11-cas-de-dengue-enregistres-en-ce-debut-dannee

 

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Rainy start to the year: cases of dengue fever are increasing

January 22, 2024 7:50 A.M.

Since January 1, 2024, the country has recorded nearly thirty cases of dengue fever. With the recent rains which fell on Mauritius, this situation could worsen, according to the Ministry of Health. This is the reason why fogging exercises began to multiply.

The country has around fifteen active cases. Most of those infected reside in the north of the country.

Following the torrential rains caused by Belal at the beginning of last week, a meeting was held to organize to prevent the spread of these tiger mosquitoes.

The head of health services, Dr. Aswamed Dinassing, explains that the fogging exercise is being done particularly in the most affected regions, namely the north as well as Port-Louis.

He confides: “ We have asked the municipalities to do what is necessary to clean places that can be favorable to the spread of mosquitoes. Mauritians must also show common sense by taking the necessary measures at home. »

https://www.lemauricien.com/actuali...ieux-les-cas-de-dengue-se-multiplient/620785/

 

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Health - dengue fever: around ten cases recorded in 24 hours

JANUARY 25, 2024

BY FERNANDO THOMAS

Health authorities are intensifying their efforts to stem the spread of the disease. The regions of Port-Louis and the north of the country are particularly targeted by this upsurge.

The country is currently placed under close surveillance. Authorities are stepping up efforts to curb the spread of dengue fever. Around ten positive cases have been identified in the last 24 hours by the Ministry of Health and Well-being, we learn. A situation considered worrying given the speed of the spread of the disease.

Individuals testing positive mainly reside in regions such as Pamplemousses, Baie-du-Tombeau, Cassis, and Rivière-Noire, among others. “That’s a lot in such a short time,” we emphasize.

According to cross-checked information, employees of town halls and district councils were asked to actively collaborate in “spraying” operations aimed at eliminating larvae, and fumigation to eradicate mosquitoes. They are also mobilized to help clean up affected regions.

Within the Ministry of Health, it is specified that “for the moment, the emphasis will be placed on the north and Port-Louis. We must at all costs prevent the spread of the virus within society. This is why we favor 'spraying', a process aimed at eliminating larvae. Le Défi Quotidien sought to obtain more information on the total number of cases recorded since the start of the year. The ministry assured that it will provide this information this Thursday.

The public is called upon to scrupulously follow the instructions of the authorities. “The public is requested to clean their surroundings and empty stagnant water from containers. In addition, it is strongly recommended to clear bushy land,” underlines the ministry.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health categorically denies rumors of cases of cholera in the country. “Cholera is a 'notifiable disease' and every doctor, private and public alike, must inform the ministry of a suspected case. But no cases have been reported. We are aware of the rumors that have been circulating for several weeks,” it is made clear.

16 cases recorded in Rodrigues

Sixteen positive cases of dengue fever have been recorded in Rodrigues since the start of the year. The High Powered Committee, chaired by Chief Commissioner Johnson Roussety, met Wednesday morning to take stock of the situation. The Commissioner of Health, Nicolas Volbert, and that of Sports, Varock Ravina, were present. The regional government has already strengthened the existing system to fight dengue fever. The Rodriguan population is invited to take the necessary precautions to avoid the spread of the disease.

https://defimedia.info/sante-fievre-dengue-une-dizaine-de-cas-recenses-en-24-heures

 

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Faced with the resurgence of mosquitoes - dengue fever: a worsening of the feared epidemic

JANUARY 29, 2024
BY JEAN-MARIE ST CYR
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The Ministry of Health is calling for vigilance and collaboration from the population in the face of the progression of the dengue epidemic which has been raging since December 11 and which has been worsening since the start of the year. Reason: there is a strong proliferation of mosquitoes at the moment.

From two to three sporadic cases of dengue fever in December 2023, Mauritius has increased to 10 to 15 new cases per day since the start of the year.
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Among the most affected localities are the Port-Louis region and its surroundings (Pailles, Cassis, Les Salines, Le Hochet, Baie-du-Tombeau, Cité La Cure, Tranquebar, Roche-Bois and Petite-Rivière). Cases have also been recorded in certain regions of the North, such as Pamplemousses, Plaines-des-Roches, Pointe-des-Lascars, The Vale, as well as in the lower Plaines-Wilhems, such as in Beau-Bassin.

With the mobility of the population, Dr Badulla warns of the epidemic spreading to other regions if precautionary measures are not taken. This involves protecting yourself from mosquito bites, cleaning yards regularly and getting rid of all objects that could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
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141 cases of dengue since December 11, 2023

Currently, the country has 56 active cases of dengue out of the 141 recorded since December 11. This situation is concerning, according to Dr. Badulla, because the numbers could easily increase without proper precautions. Infected people were placed in isolation in public service hospitals and in some private clinics. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, body aches, headache, rash, and skin discoloration. In some cases, vomiting or diarrhea may also occur in those bitten.

https://defimedia.info/face-la-recr...-dengue-une-aggravation-de-lepidemie-redoutee

 

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Epidemic - Dengue: 349 cases recorded, including 173 active

FEBRUARY 4, 2024
BY JEAN-MARIE ST CYR

A particularly virulent dengue epidemic hit Mauritius this year, marked by the first death from the disease. The authorities are launching an urgent call for vigilance, urging the population to take preventive measures to stem the spread of mosquitoes.

The dengue epidemic which broke out on December 11, 2023 is significantly more virulent than that dating back to the period from June 3 to August 4, 2023. In just seven weeks, from December 11, 2023 to Saturday February 3, the country recorded 349 dengue cases, compared to 168 cases over approximately nine weeks between June 3 and August 4, 2023.

The Port-Louis region and its surroundings are particularly affected, with 96 cases recorded (see box). Currently, the country has 173 active cases and recorded one death on Friday, February 2. The victim, a 48-year-old woman living in a village in the North, contracted the virus on January 30 and was hospitalized at the SSRN hospital in Pamplemousses.

As dengue fever can therefore be fatal in certain cases, Dr Ashwamed Dinassing, director of health services at the Ministry of Health, underlines the urgency for the population to take preventive measures against the proliferation of mosquitoes. “Dengue is a virus that can cause intense fever. Transmission of the disease occurs via mosquitoes which, after biting an infected person, spread the virus by biting other individuals in turn,” explains Dr Dinassing.
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According to Dr Dinassing, the frequent periods of rain and episodes of high heat observed in recent weeks in Mauritius have contributed to a resumption of the proliferation of mosquitoes. He also attributes this increase to a shift in the rainy period, which began as early as February 2023 instead of the usual period between June and August, thus triggering the epidemic which began in June 2023.

The same scenario appears to have played out for the current outbreak, which began in December 2023 and continues to the present. The month of October 2023 was marked by particularly high temperatures, followed by periods of rain. This precipitation led to accumulations of water in various regions, favoring the hatching of mosquito eggs and the creation of larval breeding grounds, conducive to the multiplication of mosquitoes after a few weeks.
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Faced with the worrying situation of dengue fever, the Ministry of Health has established a triage and monitoring protocol for patients suffering from the disease. Each regional hospital has a Domiciliary Monitoring Unit with the aim of providing home visits and treating dengue patients who do not present serious symptoms.

The Ministry of Health recommends that people who suspect an infection go to a health clinic or hospital for a rapid test. In the event of a positive result, a PCR test will be carried out at a regional hospital. The doctor will decide whether to admit the patient or follow up with the Domiciliary Monitoring Unit, based on the results of blood tests and other parameters.

Active phase of mosquitoes

According to a study by Dr. Diana Iyaloo, mosquitoes are most active between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. It is therefore advisable to be particularly vigilant during these times by wearing long-sleeved clothing and applying repellent products. Those with weak immune systems should avoid going out during these times.
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https://defimedia.info/epidemie-dengue-349-cas-enregistres-dont-173-actifs

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Mother of three succumbs to infection

FEBRUARY 3, 2024 1:00 p.m.

By Nafiisah Peerbaye​

On Wednesday, January 31, a 48-year-old housewife and mother of three children had a high fever. This was out of control. The husband decided to take his wife to the SSRN hospital in Pamplemousses. After she was examined, the staff informed the husband that his wife had contracted dengue fever.

“My wife certainly has health concerns. But after testing positive for dengue, her condition deteriorated. It was dengue fever that contributed to an exacerbation of his existing illness. The hospital staff took good care of her and given her condition, they decided to admit her,” said the husband, a resident of Goodlands.

However, yesterday, Friday February 2, the husband learned of the death of his wife. “Before she died, she wanted to come home and see our three children, aged around twenty,” continues our interlocutor. The family, devastated by this sudden death, did not want an autopsy to be performed on the body of the deceased.

“We know very well that she did not die due to foul play and that her death was definitely linked to an illness. So what purpose will an autopsy serve? declares the husband, who found the courage to organize his wife's funeral, scheduled for today at 3 p.m. According to our information, officials from the Ministry of Health carried out a fumigation exercise yesterday at this family.

https://lexpress.mu/node/531250
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A second death linked to dengue in Mauritius

FEBRUARY 13, 2024
BY ASHNA NUCKCHEDDY

The Ministry of Health this afternoon confirmed a second dengue-related death in Mauritius. According to initial information, it concerns an 88-year-old patient who was admitted to a clinic. It turns out that the latter was already suffering from several complications when he contracted the disease.

It comes almost two weeks after a 44-year-old Goodlands resident died of dengue fever.

To date, Mauritius has 539 active cases, while Rodrigues has 173.

It is important to emphasize that dengue fever has proven fatal in two cases since its appearance on December 11 in Mauritius. The latest recorded death highlights the seriousness of the disease, especially when it affects people already suffering from health complications.

Dengue, a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, can progress to a more serious form called severe dengue. Possible complications include dengue shock (a severe form of septic shock) and another complication that involves leaking fluid from blood vessels into tissues and severe bleeding. These complications can be fatal if not treated quickly and effectively.

The presence of comorbidities can also complicate the treatment of dengue. People with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or immunosuppressive illnesses are more likely to develop serious complications from dengue fever.

For this reason, health authorities are carrying out close monitoring while the country has more than 500 active cases. Health authorities explain that heavy rains are favoring this situation, but a stabilization of cases could occur soon.

It is important, according to the Ministry of Health, to consult a doctor or go to the nearest hospital as soon as symptoms such as high fever, body aches, headache, nausea and skin rashes.

https://defimedia.info/un-deuxieme-deces-lie-la-dengue-maurice

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Dengue epidemic: one new death recorded

Feb 13, 2024 4:09 P.M.

The latest figures recorded by the health services indicate that the country has 539 active cases of dengue fever, including two deaths.

Indeed, a new death was recorded on February 11. This is an 88-year-old man suffering from comorbidities.

A total of 888 people have been affected by dengue.

In Rodrigues, 173 cases were recorded.

As a reminder, the virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of the Aedes mosquito but also by the tiger mosquito. A mosquito can infect several people.

Even though a good majority of infected people only have mild symptoms, the virus can appear suddenly after four to ten days of incubation with symptoms such as the appearance of a high fever, often accompanied by headache, nausea and vomiting.

https://www.lemauricien.com/actuali...de-dengue-un-nouveau-deces-enregistre/623395/

 

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Mauritius: a 33-year-old woman died of dengue fever on Wednesday evening

A 33-year-old woman suffering from dengue fever died this Wednesday at 10:30 p.m. at the Nord hospital in Pamplemousses. This is the third death attributable to this epidemic since the beginning of February 2024. Like the previous victims, this young woman suffered from comorbidities.

Fabrice Floch • Published on February 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

The dengue epidemic claimed a third victim this Wednesday, February 14, 2024. It is a 33-year-old Mauritian woman. The victim suffering from a high fever and acute abdominal pain, her family rushed her to the Mediclinic center in Goodlands, Le Mauricien tells us .

All symptoms indicating that she had contracted dengue fever, she was urgently admitted to Pamplemousses hospital. Unfortunately, intensive care was unable to stop the progression of the virus.

She took her last breath at 10:30 p.m. this Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

Dengue can be fatal

The dengue epidemic continues to progress. The count at the start of the week was 712 active cases, including 173 on Rodrigues Island . Health services recorded a third death on Wednesday evening. This 33-year-old woman, like the 48-year-old mother or the octogenarian, had comorbidities. Clearly, the three victims presented physiological fragilities linked to other pathologies…

However, for reasons that are still poorly identified, patients infected with the virus can suffer from dengue hemorrhagic fever (severe abdominal pain, vomiting, etc.) or be victims of dengue fever with shock syndrome. The risk exists for people infected a second time with the dengue virus, specifies the site pasteur.fr .

https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/reun...cedee-de-la-dengue-mercredi-soir-1465563.html

 

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Mauritius: worsening dengue epidemic

The dengue epidemic is spreading at high speed in Mauritius. The number of patients doubled last week. The threshold of 1,000 cases was exceeded on February 16. The government assures, however, that the situation remains under control, but this is not the opinion of all professionals

Bruno Minas • Published on February 20, 2024 at 10:42 a.m.

The former director of health of Mauritius, Dr Gujadhur thinks that the seriousness of the epidemic is underestimated by the health authorities: “we are going to have an exponential increase in the number of patients” he says. According to him “the laboratories are overwhelmed, they cannot provide test results in less than 24 hours”. On the side of the Ministry of Health, we ensure that the patients tested are hospitalized and isolated.

Dengue first developed in the north of Mauritius, it has spread to the capital Port-Louis and certain cases are starting to appear in the south. The health services carry out fumigation within a radius of 500 meters around the homes where cases are declared.

Two serotypes of the virus are circulating in Mauritius: dengue type 1 and type 2. For the first time this virus is fatal in Mauritius. There were 5 deaths, including two directly caused by the virus without any other associated cause.

https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/mayotte/maurice-aggravation-de-l-epidemie-de-dengue-1466457.html

 

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Dengue: ten days of home isolation taken from the annual 'sick leaves'

Feb 24, 2024 10:47 A.M.

The dengue epidemic protocol put in place by the Ministry of Health stipulates that anyone infected with the virus must isolate at home for a period of ten days.

Home monitoring units have also been set up to take care of patients who are in isolation at home.

This same protocol is required in hospitals.

In the meantime, awareness raising and the adoption of preventive measures to protect public health and minimize the impact of this epidemic continue among the authorities.

Please note that from December 11, 2023 to Friday February 23, 2024, Mauritius recorded 1,486 cases, of which 520 cases were still active as of yesterday.

https://www.lemauricien.com/actuali...cile-preleves-des-sick-leaves-annuels/624716/

 

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Epidemic: dengue is moving north

FEBRUARY 28, 2024
PAR PATRICK HILBERT

Recent dengue figures, published by the Ministry of Health, show a stagnation in active cases. However, the epidemic is progressing towards the north of the country, particularly in Triolet and Goodlands, classified as red zones. Other villages in the North and East are also recording cases. But the Port-Louis region remains the most affected.

The latest official dengue figures, made public on Tuesday February 27, 2024 by the Ministry of Health, show stagnation with 494 active cases in Mauritius and 361 in Rodrigues, bringing the total since December 11 to 1,787 and 637 respectively. However, the danger is evolving towards the north of the country. While Triolet was considered a red zone just a few days ago, dengue fever remains present there with 17 to 31 active cases. Goodlands has become the main red zone with 32 to 53 active cases at the moment.

Other villages in the North, including Grand-Baie, Cap-Malheureux, Calodyne, Mont-Choisy, Morcellement St-André, Roche-Terre, Cottage and Mapou, to name but a few, have also recorded a certain number of cases in recent days. On the other hand, the Port-Louis region, including Ste-Croix, Roche-Bois, Cassis, Pailles, Grande-Rivière-Nord-Ouest and Tranquebar, remains the place where the danger is the greatest.

Another observation: dengue is starting to become entrenched in the East also with several cases detected in Roches-Noires, Poste-de-Flacq, Petite-Retraite, Flacq, Bel-Air-Rivière-Sèche, Pointe-des-Lascars or Laventure again.

The West, South and Center are, for the moment, relatively spared, even if a certain number of cases have been officially recorded in Rose-Hill, Quatre-Bornes, Curepipe, Tamarin, Rivière-Noire and La Gaulette, between others.

In Mahébourg, L'Escalier, Rivière-des-Anguilles, Riambel and New-Grove there are also a few cases. However, this is nothing compared to the Port-Louis region and the north of the country.
Faced with this situation, the Ministry of Health supports putting in place preventive measures. These include fumigation and larviciding exercises around places where dengue cases are detected. There is also increased surveillance at the level of health establishments and the virology laboratory, among others. Rapid and PCR testing exercises are carried out each time a case is detected.

The Ministry of Health also indicates that it has sent correspondence to all regional health directors, the Private Medical Practitioners Association as well as the president of the Private Clinics Association "to request increased vigilance with regard to dengue, to investigate all suspected cases and report positive cases of dengue fever to the Regional Public Health Superintendent of the region concerned.

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More than 90 cases reported in four days

MARCH 5, 2024 09:52
By Hansa Nancoo​

At the start of last week, the Health Ministry reported 494 active cases, but that figure jumped to nearly 585 cases on Friday, according to the latest official data. This increase represents an increase of more than 90 cases in just a few days in Mauritius. Rodrigues also saw a notable increase, going from 305 to 458 cases in the span of four days.

In Mauritius, the most affected areas remain those of Port-Louis, notably Résidence La Cure, Cassis, Ste-Croix and Valléedes-Prêtres. For the moment, the East, the South, the West and part of the central plateau seem less affected by dengue. However, fumigation operations are underway in these areas to prevent further spread. The North is also affected by the increase in cases, particularly in Goodlands, Triolet and even Grand-Baie.

For virologist and team leader at the Lung Institute at the University of Cape Town, Shameem Jaumdally, this increase can be explained by the fact that at the end of the week, people had more opportunities to get tested. screen. “Based on field observations, it is important to keep in mind that the number of cases is linked to the amount of mosquitoes present in the environment. Given that there have been no heavy rains in the last two weeks, it is reasonable to assume that mosquitoes will not be as numerous as in the two weeks following Cyclone Belal.” He said the risks could be significantly reduced as rainfall has reduced, leading to less chance of infection.

As for the fluctuations, he explains that they are due to the number of people who want to be tested. “People decide to go to testing centers and explain the symptoms they are experiencing. At the end of the week, some people have more free time to do it. In any case, we must hope that the risks of infection will be lower, especially depending on the weather conditions in the coming days.” He hopes that the worst of the dengue epidemic will soon be behind us. “Unless we experience a big cyclone or significant flooding. As we approach April, we should see a decrease in rainfall, which will likely lead to fewer cases of dengue.”

https://lexpress.mu/s/plus-de-90-cas-rapportes-en-quatre-jours-532259
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Epidemic - Dengue: health authorities invited to be transparent

MARCH 9, 2024
BY JEAN-MARIE ST CYR
Contact: jeanmarie@defimedia.info

Dr Shameem Jaumdally and Dr Vasantrao Gujadhur are categorical: the Ministry of Health would benefit from playing more of the transparency card so that the population is better informed about the dengue fever situation.

Making the number of official dengue cases and active cases public is not enough. This is the opinion of Dr Shameem Jaumdally, a Mauritian virologist practicing in South Africa, as well as Dr Vasantrao Gujadhur, former director of health services. Both plead for health authorities to show more transparency. They are of the opinion that in addition to the data communicated regularly, the population has the right to have access to the positivity rate, which measures the number of positive cases in relation to the total number of tests carried out.

These health professionals add that the Ministry of Health should also be more transparent regarding deaths due to dengue. According to them, authorities cannot simply attribute deaths to comorbidities without taking into account dengue infection. A former director of health services, who preferred to remain anonymous, argues that this practice sows doubt, because it could give the impression that the authorities are manipulating the figures.

According to Dr Shameem Jaumdally, the Ministry of Health is not adopting the best strategy when it comes to dengue detection and testing. He specifies that a more efficient and transparent approach would have made it possible to obtain more precise data on the number of daily or weekly cases.

The virologist also deplores the lack of serological exercises to assess the number of people who have already been infected with dengue. “It is important for a person to know their serological status, because if they are infected with another serotype of dengue, they could suffer more serious health complications,” he explains.

Dr Gujadhur believes that the population is not sufficiently informed of the true extent of the epidemic. He emphasizes that, according to the most recent information, it seems to be spreading from the Port-Louis sector and its surroundings to the North, East and South regions, in particular the lower Plaines-Wilhems.

This observation leads Dr Gujadhur, as well as another former director of health services, to conclude that the authorities have lost control over the progression of the epidemic.

They also note that the established protocol for fumigation exercises is not rigorously followed. Dr Gujadhur insists that these operations should be repeated several times over ten days to obtain the desired results. Which is not the case, according to him. This leads him to believe that the prevalence and incidence of dengue remain high.

Responsibility of the population

Dr Jaumdally also believes that fumigations do not produce convincing results, especially given the frequent rainfall in recent weeks. “It is best to take individual measures to drain the accumulated water and prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes,” he says. The virologist encourages increased participation of the population in this approach.

“The fight against dengue fever and the epidemic is more the responsibility of the population. The government can put in place all the measures it wants through fumigation and others, but awareness is the main element, if not the most important, for everyone to take the necessary measures. he says. Dr Jaumdally also suggests that authorities should be more transparent in disseminating information, which would be beneficial for them. “More than half of the adult population suffers from comorbidities. If deaths of people infected with dengue are attributed to their underlying illnesses rather than their infection with the virus, this does not reflect reality. »

Faced with the persistence of the epidemic, Dr Gujadhur questions the potential cost to the State, including overtime, products used and treatments, among other expenses. From December 11, 2023 to March 5, 2024, the Ministry of Health officially recorded 2,534 cases, a figure never reached during previous epidemics in the country.

https://defimedia.info/epidemie-dengue-les-autorites-sanitaires-invitees-jouer-la-transparence

 

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Maurice is on the fourth death

MARCH 12, 2024 16:09
By Editor

Mauritius has had four patients die from dengue fever since this fever began. The Ministry of Health issued a press release this Tuesday, March 12 in which we discover this information (see press release below). However, it does not provide any information about this victim.

The third death dates back to February 14, it was a 33-year-old woman.

We also learn that since December 11, 2023, the number of cases detected in Mauritius is 3037 and in Rodrigues, 1207. There are currently 452 and 196 active cases respectively.

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Epidemic - Dengue: four of 10 deaths attributed directly to the disease

MARCH 15, 2024
BY JEAN-MARIE ST CYR
Contact: jeanmarie@defimedia.info

An octogenarian living in the north of the country died of dengue fever. This brings to four the number of patients whose deaths are directly attributed to the disease. Six other deaths were also recorded. However, these are patients who tested positive for the disease, but who may have succumbed to their comorbidities, according to the Ministry of Health.

Despite these tragic losses due to dengue, the latest data provides a glimmer of hope in the fight against the disease. According to Dr Kursheed Meethoo-Badulla, Non-Communicable Disease Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, the number of dengue cases appears to be decreasing. She says the positivity rate has fallen from 27% over 100 tests to just 6% over 500 to 600 daily tests.

She adds that the same is true for the number of hospitalizations, which have fallen from 70 to 80 cases per day two weeks ago to less than 55 to 60 per day over the past ten days. “Those who were admitted to hospital were not only because they were dengue positive, but also because of their comorbidities,” she said.

Multiple teams on the ground have also noted a drop in the number of mosquitoes and larvae. But we will have to wait for the next few weeks to see if this trend continues.

The country is going through an unprecedented dengue epidemic period. Never before has Mauritius officially recorded more than 3,000 cases of dengue. Given that 50% to 90% of cases are asymptomatic, the real number of cases is much higher than it seems.

It is still the regions of Port-Louis and its surroundings, as well as various localities in the north of the island, which are among the most affected, according to information communicated on March 12, 2024. Cases were also detected on the side of the Flacq region, as well as a small concentration in the Beau-Bassin region and in certain regions of the central plateau. “Cases are being recorded around these areas due to population mobility,” says Dr Meethoo-Badulla.

She specifies that intervention measures are continuing, such as fumigation and “larviciding”, or rapid tests carried out in health centers, so that those who are infected benefit from rapid treatment. . “Intensive awareness campaigns are also carried out on the ground, whether in schools or in the workplace,” she assures.

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Dengue fever: an increase in cases of infection noted

Apr 14, 2024 7:00 A.M.

The latest figures collected by the Health services regarding the Dengue fever epidemic show 259 active cases out of the 4,214 recorded for Mauritius. Which is an increase, compared to the 231 active cases out of the 3,963 identified last week. The bar of 4,000 cases of Dengue has therefore been exceeded during the last seven days.

On the other hand, in Rodrigues, the statistics show a decline, with 102 active cases out of 1,741 detected since December 11, compared to 135 active cases out of 1,748 last week. The latest press release dated April 12, however, makes no mention of the number of deaths linked to Dengue fever. Last week, five deaths were recorded.

The Ministry of Health recalls that it is maintaining fumigation and larvicide exercises in all regions of the country, “with a pronounced emphasis on the most affected regions”. Regarding public health centers and national hospitals, “increased surveillance is always required”. In the same vein, the ministry also supports “taking preventive measures and anti-vector activities in places where cases have been detected”.
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https://www.lemauricien.com/actuali...e-une-hausse-des-cas-dinfection-notee/630767/

 

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Public health: the dengue epidemic is not weakening

APRIL 18, 2024
BY JEAN-MARIE ST CYR
Contact: jeanmarie@defimedia.info

Dr Kursheed Meethoo-Badulla emphasizes that the risk of an increase in the number of dengue cases remains present.

The dengue epidemic, which began in December 2023, appears to persist. Despite all the measures taken, the risk of spread remains present. The Ministry of Health reiterates its call for individual responsibility in order to reverse the trend.

The number of active cases of dengue fever stood at 315 on Tuesday April 16, which represents a slight increase compared to the number of active cases recorded on April 12. 4,383 cases have been officially reported since December 11, according to figures from the Ministry of Health. Thus, almost five months after the start of this epidemic, the virus still remains in circulation with mosquitoes as vectors of transmission. Despite various measures in force, such as fumigation, the use of larvicides, residual spraying indoors, the installation of lethal self-dissemination ovitraps and the release of sterile insects, particularly in the Port-Port region. Louis, the epidemic seems persistent.

If the capital and its surroundings were initially the most affected, it is now the northern regions which seem to be the most concerned, with sources of contamination, mainly in Goodlands, Roche-Terre and Poudre-d'Or, among others. . Many cases have also been detected in various villages in the district of Pamplemousses, Basse Plaines Wilhems, but also in Tamarin and Rivière-Noire, as well as in the east, in Flacq, Bramsthan, Palmar and Belle-Mare.

There are two possible reasons for this, according to Dr Kursheed Meethoo-Badulla, Noncommunicable Diseases Coordinator. It was the rainy periods that did not facilitate the fumigation operations, as well as the lack of vigilance of part of the population. She indicates that many people do not take precautions against mosquito bites, despite all the campaigns carried out to encourage the population to ensure their own protection. In addition, there are still areas where stagnant water accumulates, becoming breeding grounds for the proliferation of mosquitoes.

There is, however, hope with the arrival of winter, which should lead to a drop in the mosquito population. However, nothing is certain with the effects of climate change that we are experiencing. Dr Badulla thus recalls that the country experienced, against all expectations, a dengue epidemic in May 2023, which lasted until August of the same year. “Winter is not as cold as before,” she emphasizes. The latter therefore calls on the population to take the necessary precautions to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes and protect themselves against their bites. Even if there are fewer hospitalizations and fewer severe cases, the risk of an upsurge remains possible.

https://defimedia.info/sante-publique-lepidemie-de-la-dengue-ne-faiblit-pas

 

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Dengue fever epidemic: 300 new cases every week

MAY 15, 2024
BY JEAN-MARIE ST CYR

The risk of spreading the disease remains high, warns Dr Badulla.

Around 300 new cases of dengue fever are officially recorded every week. We are thus approaching the mark of 6,000 cases since December 11, while the number of active cases was 386 as of May 14.

With an average of 300 new cases of dengue fever per week, the risk of spreading the disease remains present, according to the Thus, vigilance remains essential, even if it is known that in winter, there are fewer mosquitoes. However, it must be remembered that the previous dengue epidemic began at the beginning of May 2023 but did not reach the same scale as the one we are currently experiencing. As of May 14, 5,850 cases have been officially recorded, according to Health Ministry figures, and the country has 386 active cases.

Several measures have been taken to counter the proliferation of mosquitoes, aiming not only to combat dengue fever, but also other diseases transmitted by mosquitoes: malaria, Zika, chikungunya and even filariasis, underlines Dr Meethoo-Badulla. For this, the Ministry of Health benefits from the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC). The WHO sent an expert in “Risk communication and Community engagement” to Mauritius in order to raise awareness among the population of the need to take adequate measures to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes. The NCD Coordinator thus underlines that all the methods used by the authorities will not have the expected effects without the individual and collective responsibility of citizens.

Dr Meethoo-Badulla points out that dengue can be fatal, particularly in people suffering from other co-morbidities. As of May 14, eight deaths directly attributed to dengue had been recorded, according to the Ministry of Health.

https://defimedia.info/epidemie-de-fievre-dengue-300-nouveaux-cas-chaque-semaine

 

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Public health: 6,500 cases of dengue fever recorded since December 11, 2023

JUNE 4, 2024

BY JEAN-MARIE ST CYR
...​

​https://defimedia.info/sante-publique-6-500-cas-de-dengue-enregistres-depuis-le-11-decembre-2023