Ministers monitor dengue programme

France has sent two ministers to the French Caribbean for a detailed assessment of the dengue epidemic in the islands.



Health minister Roselyne Bachelot and overseas territories minister Marie-Luce Penchard have so far visited hospitals in Martinique and Guadeloupe.



They also met French soldiers who were sent to the region to help in the campaign to destroy mosquito breeding sites.



Since the epidemic began back in December there have been thousands of cases with Guadeloupe the worst affected.



At least 18 people have died from dengue fever since the beginning of February.



Residents have been advised to drain any place that could serve as a mosquito breeding ground.