Dengue fever in Tahiti: causes, vectors, statistics and prevention

Preamble 

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and constitutes a major public health problem in French Polynesia. With recurring epidemics for several decades, it is essential to understand the causes , modes of transmission , and prevention measures to limit its spread.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue is an infection caused by a virus belonging to the Flaviviridae  family . There are four distinct serotypes  of the dengue virus (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4), each capable of causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe . A person infected with one serotype acquires lifelong immunity against that serotype but remains vulnerable to the others.

Transmission vectors

Dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes of the Aedes genus  , primarily Aedes aegypti  and Aedes polynesiensis  in French Polynesia. These mosquitoes bite mainly during the day and breed in stagnant water , which promotes their proliferation in urban and peri-urban areas.

Causes and factors of propagation

Several factors contribute to the spread of dengue fever in Tahiti:

• • Climatic conditions  : the humid tropical climate favors the reproduction of mosquitoes.

  • Urbanization  : population density and the presence of stagnant water reservoirs increase the risks of transmission.

  • International travel  : the introduction of new serotypes can occur via infected travelers.

  • Lack of widespread vaccination  : although vaccines exist, access to them remains limited. Indeed, dengue vaccines are primarily intended for populations living in endemic areas . This reduces the number of doses sold globally. And of course, this makes these products too unprofitable for pharmaceutical companies . They therefore prefer to focus on vaccines against influenza or Covid-19 , which are far more lucrative for them.

Symptoms and progression of the disease

Dengue symptoms typically appear 4 to 10 days after the bite  and include:

• • Sudden high fever

  • Headaches and retro-orbital pain

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Rash around day 5

In some cases, dengue can progress to a severe form with hemorrhagic complications and shock. But rest assured, this only occurs in 1 to 5%  of cases.

Statistics and impact in Tahiti

It is now high time to give you the figures for the epidemic since 2023:

• • 663 cases reported  since November 2023.

  • Dominant serotype  : DENV-1 (100% of samples serotyped).

  • 38% of cases  involve people under 20 years old .

  • No severe cases or deaths  have been reported to date.

Where is the dengue epidemic in 2025?

Prevention and control of dengue fever

In response to this epidemic, several measures have been put in place:

1. Elimination of larval breeding sites

Fighting dengue fever begins with eliminating mosquito breeding grounds  :

• • Elimination of stagnant water (pots, vases, gutters).

  • Cleaning containers that can collect water.

  • Raising awareness among residents about the maintenance of their environment.

2. Personal protection

To avoid mosquito bites, it is recommended:

• • To use appropriate repellents .

  • To wear long clothes .

  • Install mosquito nets  on the windows and beds.

  • To use electric diffusers  or mosquito coils.

3. Health monitoring and control

Local authorities are closely monitoring the development of the epidemic:

• • Weekly monitoring  of confirmed cases.

  • Targeted interventions  in areas of contamination.

  • Localized insecticide treatments .

4. Raising public awareness

Communication campaigns are being deployed to inform residents:

• • Prevention messages on social media and television.

  • Educational brochures explaining the actions to take.

  • Encouragement of self-protection and vigilance.

5. Medical case management

Health structures have strengthened their systems for better care:

• • Rapid detection of cases  to avoid complications.

  • Provision of specialized units  in hospitals.

  • Monitoring of vulnerable populations  (children, the elderly).

What repellents should I use?

1. Apipur Tahiti

A 100% natural repellent  made with a blend of essential oils, designed to protect against mosquitoes that transmit dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. It can be used as an air spray  , on clothing, or directly on the skin.

2. Anti-mosquito monoi

Tevi Tahiti  and Tiki Tahiti  Monoï are enriched with essential oils  that have repellent properties. They offer natural protection while moisturizing the skin.

3. Stop insects Nao Nao Tabu from Heiva

A spray based on Monoi and Tamanu oil  , renowned for its soothing and protective properties against biting insects.

4. NaoNao Xtreme

A Polynesian brand specializing in natural mosquito repellent products  , developed after several years of research. It offers sprays and roll-ons effective against tiger mosquitoes.

It's important to know that in this article I only recommend natural and organic products . RID , for example, is not mentioned here . While this product is one of the most effective, it contains DEET , which can be harmful to health and the environment . It is even strongly discouraged for pregnant women and children!

Where to find them?

Ultimately

Clearly, dengue fever remains a major health concern in Tahiti. But thanks to the mobilization of the population and the authorities , it is possible to limit the spread of the virus. Adopting preventative measures and raising awareness are essential to reducing risks and protecting the population. As for you tourists exploring the islands , don't obsess over this disease. Most of the time, if you use the preventative methods presented in this article, the chances of catching it are very low . I myself have only contracted it once in eleven years of being here. That says it all… 😉