Health authorities in Guadeloupe, a French territory in the Caribbean, have declared a dengue epidemic. Cases in the region have far exceeded the expected seasonal levels: by the end of October, weekly visits to health centers were estimated at 540, compared to the usual 80 during normal seasons. Additionally, emergency room visits have also increased, with 40 cases reported weekly by the end of October.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, 7,265 cases of dengue have been reported on the island to date.
The epidemic is largely driven by the DENV-3 serotype, which had not circulated actively in the region for the past two decades. Of the 62 samples analyzed between September and October, 97% correspond to this serotype.
