The chikungunya epidemic continues to spread in French Guiana, according to the latest surveillance bulletin from Public Health France. Health authorities are observing a worsening situation in the Savanes region, where the number of emergency room visits for suspected chikungunya is rising sharply, particularly at the Kourou hospital.
This development indicates that the virus is still actively circulating in several areas of the country. Health services are urging the public to continue taking preventative measures against mosquito bites to limit the spread of the disease.
A different evolution depending on the territories
On the west coast, the epidemic remains active despite the appearance of some encouraging early signs. Authorities have observed a decrease in emergency room visits at the Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni hospital, but believe it is still too early to conclude that the situation has improved sustainably.
In Cayenne, the virus continues to circulate. Two new clusters of transmission have been identified, bringing the number of clusters currently being monitored by health authorities to nine. This area remains in the phase of an epidemic outbreak.
Sectors that have been relatively unaffected so far
Conversely, no confirmed cases of chikungunya have been recorded recently in the Maroni region, the eastern interior, or the Oyapock territory. These areas remain under surveillance, experiencing sporadic transmission or undergoing epidemiological monitoring.
Health authorities remind the public that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the main vector of chikungunya, is also responsible for transmitting other diseases such as dengue fever. They urge residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, use repellents and mosquito nets, and consult a healthcare professional if they experience symptoms such as sudden fever, joint pain, or skin rashes.
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