[First case of dengue hemorrhagic fever with shock syndrome in Martinique]

Since mid 95, many Caribbean islands and America's countries suffer from a new outbreak of an epidemic of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever. Until today, no case of dengue haemorrhagic fever was reported in Martinique (FWI) in spite of the high prevalence of dengue fever in the island. The first identified case asserts the severity of illness. In Martinique, these arbovirosis is often underestimated. Nowadays, the disease prevention must become one of the principal targets of the medical corporation and the Public Health Authorities. Consequently, epidemiologic survey and principally vector's control must be reinforced.