In a follow-up on the chikungunya epidemic on Reunion Island, officials Friday reported two deaths that occurred last week, linked to chikungunya. They involved two people aged 86 and 96, one of whom had comorbidities.
The attribution of the cause of death to chikungunya is being analyzed by an investigative committee, including the attending physician, infectious disease specialists from the University Hospital, and Public Health France. This necessary consultation with several experts explains the delays between the death, the attribution to chikungunya, and its declaration by the health authorities.
With the ongoing epidemic, the authorities are reminding the entire population of the need to fight the disease by implementing preventive measures: eliminating anything that could contain water around one's home, protecting oneself from mosquito bites and continuing to protect oneself, even when sick, and consulting a doctor in case of symptoms.
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On March 14, 2025, level 4 of the ORSEC plan was triggered by the prefect, on the proposal of the Director General of the ARS, corresponding to a "medium-intensity epidemic." Since August 23, 2024, more than 8,500 indigenous cases have been recorded and 24 people have been hospitalized, including three severe cases. The epidemic has accelerated in recent weeks and is now spreading throughout the country.
150 ARS vector control agents, supplemented by municipal staff, are mobilized daily to carry out mosquito control operations, essential to combat the proliferation of mosquitoes. The involvement of municipalities and inter-municipal authorities is essential to support these actions. The population is encouraged to implement preventive measures.
In its opinion of March 14, the High Authority of Health recommends the use of the lxchiq vaccine, as a priority for people at risk of severe form, who have never had a chikungunya infection:
people aged over 65, and primarily those with comorbidities,
people over 18 years of age with comorbidities,
Vector control professionals will also be able to benefit from it, due to a higher risk of contamination.
The Regional Health Agency of Réunion, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Access to Healthcare, is working to organize access to vaccination for priority individuals, starting in early April.