Three cases of dengue fever have been recorded as of Tuesday 20 June. Dr. Diana Ialo believes that with the amount of mosquitoes in circulation, an epidemic is possible. It is responsible for the Department of Biology and Vector Control in the Ministry of Health.
The case was revealed last week. The Ministry of Health confirmed two new cases of dengue fever. This brings the total to three active states. This was stated by a source from the Ministry of Health. The first patient was cured and was able to go home.
An abnormal density of tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), vectors of dengue and chikungunya, has been observed in the country.
In 2022, there will be more tiger mosquitoes, but dengue fever is not in circulation. “Even if there are fewer mosquitoes than last summer, an epidemic is still possible,” says Dr. Diana Eyalo.
During biology and vector control department visits, breeding sites were found in the yards. There is monitoring in different places.
Our interlocutor asks residents to take measures to prevent the spread of mosquitoes. It also recommends protecting yourself from their bites.
Sterile insect technique
To combat the spread of mosquitoes, a pilot project began in October 2022. This is the Sterile Insect Technology (SIT). This process consists of breeding large quantities of male tiger mosquitoes that are sterilized, and then releasing them in the targeted areas. The first pilot phase of the project has been launched on the Champ de Mars. 60,000 sterile insects are released into the wild each week. This exercise will continue for a year. An evaluation will be conducted next year to assess the success of the project. “If it works, we will repeat the experiment in other areas,” says Dr. Diana Ialo. This pilot project was supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Several experts provided training on the method and standards to be respected for conducting the experiment.
On Reunion Island, SIT technology has been developed as one of the means to combat dengue. The first phase of the trials took place in May 2022. Four million sterilized mosquitoes were released for six months in the Duparc area. Halfway through the operational phase, scientists noticed a 50% reduction in the mosquito population.
Thirty patients were examined in Rodrigues
The first case of dengue fever in Mauritius was detected in a person from Rodrigues on 5 June. Several other cases were identified after Rodrigues’ screening exercises. As of Tuesday, June 20, the Ministry of Health has registered thirty active cases.
The increase in the number of cases indicates the spread of the disease in Rodrigues. According to Dr Kurshid Mithu Padula, coordinator of non-communicable diseases, “the actual number of cases is much higher”.
Since the discovery of these cases, the Ministry of Health has been working in collaboration with the Rodrigues Health Commission. It carries out screening campaigns, mosquito control and larva control operations, among others.
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