Chikungunya outbreak in Réunion Island: update

French health authorities have confirmed six people died from chikungunya in the overseas department of Réunion Island since the start of the year. The victims were people aged over 70 with underlying health conditions. France’s public health agency, Santé Publique France (SPF), said it was investigating other deaths to determine whether they were tied to the virus. A chikungunya outbreak was declared on Réunion Island in January, following a surge in cases that began in the summer of 2024. According to health officials, the epidemic is due to an increase in mosquito numbers during the summer and low immunity levels in the island’s population. Since January, over 33,000 cases have been confirmed by laboratory testing, and the situation remains serious. SPF noticed a partial decline in new cases recorded by local clinics and emergency departments in recent weeks but said that further monitoring was needed to determine whether the peak had passed.
Chikungunya is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, a rash, and joint pain. There is no specific treatment for the disease and most people recover in a few days. However, the virus can be particularly dangerous for older people, babies, and pregnant women. A vaccination campaign began in Réunion on April 7, offering free doses to people over 65 with chronic health conditions. According to Gérard Cotellon, head of the island’s regional health agency, over 2000 people got vaccinated in three days. 50,000 additional doses should arrive on the island by the end of April. Meanwhile, health authorities urge residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed.