St. Martin on dengue alert
~ 20 cases confirmed in one week ~
MARIGOT--A leading epidemiologist on Friday described the rate of suspected or confirmed dengue infections on the French side as “just below the threshold for an epidemic,” as a gradual increase of suspected cases has been recorded during the past three weeks.
A total of 42 suspected cases were registered for the third week of October and 20 of these were confirmed as dengue. The epidemic threshold is around 25 confirmed cases per week, it was noted. Figures for St. Barths were significantly higher in October.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Sous-Préfecture, Epidemiologist Philippe Quenel of Cellule Inter-Régionale d’Epidémiologie (CIRE) of Antilles-Guyane said that despite the above, a review of hospital cases and discussions with all partners had concluded that the current situation for this period was “normal.”
“There is an increase in the figures, but the numbers are below the alert threshold,” he explained. “We know Guadeloupe, Martinique, and other islands are in epidemic situations, so it is time to act rapidly. We have to anticipate and be prepared in case we have to face a situation similar to what those islands are experiencing.”
He also confirmed that the Type 4 virus had been identified as circulating since the beginning of October, but said there were insufficient data to know whether any of the other three virus types were circulating.
A special committee of experts was installed at the Sous-Préfecture on Thursday solely for the purpose of controlling the spread of dengue fever and other infectious diseases in St. Martin and St. Barths. The 12-member committee comprises professionals such as doctors, laboratory technicians, biologists, pharmacists, and health service specialists from Guadeloupe.
“We have decided to reinforce all the surveillance systems and to make a renewed effort in giving out information to the public,” Quenel added. “The committee decided to create more awareness in the schools and public buildings, as well as advising on personal protection.”
There are currently two cases in Guadeloupe of children who have contracted the often fatal haemorrhagic form of dengue, but this type of dengue has not infiltrated St. Martin/St. Maarten.
Quenel assured that planes coming into St. Martin from Guadeloupe and Martinique were being sprayed with insect repellent.
A boy with low blood platelet levels suspected of having dengue was evacuated to hospital in Guadeloupe for blood transfusions earlier in the summer. A laboratory technician noted that Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital could not stock sufficient quantities of platelets. The boy has since returned to St. Martin and recovered.
There are two authorised laboratories on the French side that test for dengue. Further testing to reconfirm results, or to detect new viruses, is done in France as well.
Quenel noted that more than 7,500 people in Martinique had contracted dengue since the beginning of August and 3,500 in Guadeloupe. The situation on these islands has been exacerbated since the passing of Hurricane Dean.
Head of the Preventative Health Department on the Dutch side Dr. Rachel Eersel and a colleague were invited to the committee meetings. “It is not the first time we have met with the French side,” said Dr. Eersel. “We always have a very good working relationship with them to share information on a weekly and monthly basis. It’s a combined approach.”
