[Chikungunya outbreak on Reunion Island in 2005/2006: role of hospital physicians in raising alert].
The epidemic of chikungunya (CHIK) that swept through Reunion Island from late 2005 to mid 2006 affected 38.2% of the population, i.e., 300000 people. Although this outbreak took place in a French overseas department with high public health standards, failure to anticipate a large-scale epidemic associated with unprecedented severity and unexpectedly high mortality led to a major public health crisis. The purpose of this report is to provide a complete account of the experience of hospital intensive care physicians in addressing problems ranging from discovery of severe forms to management of a major health crisis. This report underlines the role of the head hospital physician and the necessity of mutual trust and collaboration with supervisory authorities.
Service de réanimation polyvalente, Centre Hospitalier Régional, Groupe Hospitalier Sud Réunion, 97448 Saint Pierre cedex. veronique.boisson@chr-reunion.fr
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V
Boisson
M P
MP
Cresta
L
L
Thibault
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E
Antok
J
J
Lemant
A
A
Gradel
H
H
André
F
F
Tixier
A
A
Winer
D018354:Alphavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D065632:Chikungunya Fever; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D058872:Epidemics; D006761:Hospitals / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017508:Reunion / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D000078329:Workforce