Chikungunya skyrockets in Reunion, CDC issues travel notice
ARS La Reunion reported 695 new indigenous chikungunya cases in the past week, which brings the outbreak total to 1,773 locally acquired cases since August last year and 1,631 cases since the start of the year. 13 hospitalizations have been recorded.
The municipalities of Tampon and Etang-Salé remain the most affected, with 437 and 241 cases reported respectively since the beginning of the year.
A very strong increase is noted in Tampon, which shows an increase of more than 87% in the number of its cases.
However, the epidemic is spreading and the number of cases is increasing sharply in neighboring municipalities such as: The Oars, Little Island, Saint-Philippe and Saint-Louis.
But also in the west of the island at: The Possession, Saint-Leu, Saint Paul and Three-Basins.
Even the town of Cilaos is not immune to this dispersion, with 7 cases recently detected.
The current period of the southern summer (heat and rain) is very favorable to the spread of chikungunya.
Given the current epidemic dynamics, the spread to the entire island seems likely in the coming weeks, officials note.
The chikungunya epidemic in Reunion prompted a travel notice issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CDC says mosquitoes spread the virus that causes chikungunya and you can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites, which includes using insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants; and staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on the windows and doors.
Vaccination against chikungunya is recommended for people aged 18 years or older who are traveling to a destination with a current chikungunya outbreak.
Seek medical care if you develop fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash, during or after travel.
Chikungunya disease is caused by the chikungunya virus and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Most people infected with chikungunya virus develop some symptoms. Symptoms of chikungunya usually begin 3–7 days after a bite by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most people get better within a week; however, some can have severe joint pain for months to years following acute illness.
People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (65 years or older), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Death from chikungunya is rare.
There is no specific treatment for chikungunya; however, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends a vaccine for some travelers.