Mayotte reports first indigenous chikungunya case, prompting increased surveillance and other measures
The Mayotte Regional Health Agency announces that two new cases of chikungunya have been confirmed, one of which is indigenous. These individuals have already been treated, and the outbreaks have been disinfected. Given the various regional and environmental factors, the territory's health authorities are urging the utmost vigilance.
Due to the identification of the first indigenous case of chikungunya in Mayotte, the health authorities are activating level 2A of the ORSEC plan. This initial outbreak of indigenous chikungunya requires increased surveillance of the epidemiological situation and measures to prevent further viral spread in the territory.
In neighboring Reunion Island, more than 20,000 indigenous cases have been reported since the beginning of the year, including two deaths.
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Chikungunya is a disease transmitted to humans through bites from the tiger mosquito, causing a sudden onset of high fever, often accompanied by joint pain, particularly in the wrists, ankles, and knuckles. To effectively combat the risk of introducing new cases and limit the spread of the disease on the island, health authorities are urging the population to be extremely vigilant when traveling to and from Réunion Island and upon returning to Mayotte.
The Regional Health Agency therefore reminds all travelers to and from Réunion Island that it is necessary to:
Protect yourself against mosquito bites in the days following arrival to avoid transmitting the disease should you contract it. As a reminder, a healthy tiger mosquito, upon contact with an individual carrying chikungunya, can in turn transmit the disease to those around you.
If symptoms appear:
Consult your doctor promptly, informing them of your stay in Réunion Island;
It is imperative to continue protecting yourself from mosquito bites for at least a week to avoid infecting those around you.
However, even if you are not traveling, if you develop symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
At the same time, the Regional Health Agency's vector control service reminds us that mosquitoes reproduce by laying their eggs in all containers and objects containing water, whether indoors or outdoors. Therefore, to limit their spread in the area, it is essential to systematically cover all containers containing water and ensure that any standing water is emptied.