Analysis of the Epidemiological Situation

An increase in cases of gastroenteritis has been observed in Mayotte since early August. Although data from hospital emergency departments indicate a decline, the incidence of gastroenteritis remains higher than expected for this time of year. The incidence of acute diarrhea among children under 5 years of age seen in outpatient clinics by sentinel physicians remains high. Young children, some of whom have had to be hospitalized for dehydration, appear to be the most affected. At the same time, sales of anti-diarrheal medications at sentinel pharmacies have continued to rise for five consecutive weeks. Confirmatory testing is underway at the CHM laboratory to identify the infectious agent responsible for this outbreak. Preliminary data from private practitioners and health clinics surveyed last week suggest a viral origin, but laboratory results are needed to confirm this hypothesis.