Clinical Report: Dengue Fever Among Children in the French Caribbean Amidst an Epidemic
Overview
This study investigates the risk factors for hospitalization and severe dengue fever in children during the 2023-2024 epidemic in the French Caribbean.
Background
Dengue virus infection poses a major public health challenge, particularly in tropical regions, with children experiencing higher morbidity and complications. The 2023-2024 dengue epidemic in the French Caribbean represents a critical period for understanding pediatric disease patterns in high-income settings.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Value
Total consultations for fever
14,049
Confirmed dengue cases
1,766 (12.6%)
Children included in study
1,284
Case fatality rate (CFR)
0.4% (5 patients)
Children with SCD admitted
65
Intravenous infusion required
671 cases (38.0%)
Key Findings
12.6% of pediatric consultations for fever were confirmed dengue cases.
DENV-2 was the predominant serotype in Martinique, while both DENV-2 and DENV-3 were present in French Guiana.
Children with sickle cell disease had a significantly increased risk of hospitalization (OR, 15.15).
The overall case fatality rate was 0.4%, lower than rates reported in other regions.
Almost half of the patients required intravenous infusion or hospitalization.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that children with sickle cell disease are at a higher risk for hospitalization due to dengue fever.
Conclusion
This study provides insights into the pediatric burden of dengue fever during the epidemic in the French Caribbean.
by Arthur Felix, Zein Assad, Margaux Blanche, Pascale Richard, Dominique Rousset, Thomas Poussot, Julie Gestel, Vincent Genest, Pierre Lortholary, Remi Mutricy, Narcisse Elenga, Julien Denis, Lindsay Osei
