[Reappearance of dengue in New Caledonia from 1985 to 1988]

From 1971 to 1980, dengue outbreaks occurred in New-Caledonia due to dengue viruses type 2, 1 and 4 successively. After an eclipse of four years, dengue reappeared in 1985 through 1988. Out of 109 cases confirmed by virus isolation, dengue serotypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 caused 15, 23, 17 and 54 cases respectively; in 28 other cases, the Flavivirus type could not be identified and in 26 cases an Alphavirus (Ross River) was pointed out. The DEN 3 virus, unknown in New-Caledonia before 1985, was discretely transmitted until 1988. The 1989 outbreak showed the necessity of rigorous vector control measures.