Dengue in islands of the French Antilles update

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports continued transmission of dengue in islands of the French Antilles. The islands affected so far are: 

• Guadeloupe, which has reported 22,800 cases, including two deaths, from October 2019 and 9 January 2021. 
• Saint Martin, which has reported 2,700 cases, including one death, from January 2020 to 9 January 2021. 
• Saint Barthelemy, which has reported 1,435 cases from April 2020 to 9 January 2021. 
• Martinique, which has reported 32,650 cases, including 17 deaths, from November 2019 to 9 January 2021.

Dengue is the second most common identified cause of febrile illness in returning travellers and the number of cases continues to increase. All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection. Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

Travellers developing a fever during or on return from travel are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Information and advice for travellers on dengue is available from the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 29 January 2021