First case of dengue haemorrhagic fever with shock syndrome identified in Martinique (French West indies).

Since mid 95, many Caribbean islands and American'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 Sever 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.