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Réunion Island prepared for possible Zika virus emergence, 2016
Sophie Larrieu1, Laurent Filleul, Olivier Reilhes
1Santé publique France, French national public health agency, Regional unit (Cire) Océan Indien, Réunion, France.
Summary
Réunion developed a Zika virus (ZIKV) surveillance and response system to detect and contain outbreaks early. This integrated approach, combining vector control and multi-disciplinary collaboration, aims to prevent epidemics in island settings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) poses a significant global public health threat.
- Réunion's environment is conducive to ZIKV emergence, necessitating preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and implement a comprehensive surveillance and response system for ZIKV in Réunion.
- To establish methods for early detection, outbreak monitoring, and identification of severe cases.
Main Methods:
- Developed tools for individual case detection, including public awareness campaigns.
- Established complementary monitoring systems for disease trends and geographic spread.
- Fostered collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and public health authorities.
Main Results:
- Emphasized early case detection to contain ZIKV spread and prevent epidemics.
- Highlighted the strengths of a dedicated vector control team and interdisciplinary cooperation.
- The system is designed for scalability and relevance to other vulnerable regions.
Conclusions:
- The Réunion surveillance system provides a robust model for ZIKV preparedness.
- Early detection and rapid response are crucial for managing ZIKV outbreaks.
- The collaborative, multi-faceted approach is adaptable for Europe and other island nations.