Hi:
Travelling to Martinique and then Guadeloupe in 2 days and am worried about Dengue and Chikungunya which, according to the CDC, are present on these islands. Does anyone have any first hand experience of this on these islands? Are there prevention efforts in placee? Besides DEET and covering every exposed part of the body are there any ways to avoid the bugs?
GEsssa

Use DEET (50%) even during the day, this is what I did when visiting Rio de Janeiro several years ago during an outbreak of dengue.

I was going to ask the same thing. There are 10 confirmed cases on the French side of St. Martin, and we were looking to go back there this year. Can any locals to St. Martin provide any insight to what's going on?
Thanks!

@Kellybeaches. As far as Guadeloupe is concerned I did speak to someone in my hotel there who said she didn't know of any Dengue cases. I also checked the local newspaper online. Apparently there are some eradication programs in place. I think I am going to go, wear long sleeves and pants and cover myself with DEET.
GEsssa

Dengue is present on almost all islands in the Caribbean. But if you use insect repellant religiously, you'll likely be fine.

Up to 200 cases now. Something to be aware of:

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...01-14-16-47-21

It is something to be aware of, the same as being aware of going to a malaria or a yellow fever risk area. As others have said, dengue is present in the Caribbean, use repellent even during the day. I think tourists are more likely to use repellent than local residents.

Just back from a lovely 10 day visit to Martinique and Guadeloupe where I reveled in the lush scenery, flowers, sun and clear Caribbean waters. As far as Dengue and Chikunmunya are concerned I did not see anyone paying the slightest bit of attention even though there were large signs warning of an "epidemie" at the different ports of entry I passed through. I don't think travelers are really getting the message and most continue to enjoy their shorts and tank tops with narry a worry about the little beasties that might bite them and make them very sick.