On Oct 9, the ECDC gave notice that Martinique’s year-long dengue fever outbreak has reached a 10-year peak after the island registered 7,800 of the French Antilles’ 10,6023 suspected cases in the latest update. Guadeloupe has the next highest count – 2,430 additional suspected cases – however all islands in the group are said to be in an epidemic phase. To the south, in Barbados, authorities are watchful of the outbreaks in the region but say that the slight increase in dengue cases this year is not ‘beyond what is expected’.
Advice for travellers
Dengue occurs both in urban and rural areas, around human habitation. The virus is spread by Aedes mosquitoes which breed in shady places close to dwellings and bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid when outdoors. Travellers should cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD) when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever and preventing insect bites.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.