Reunion chikungunya cases top 300

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) La Réunion reports 339 indigenous chikungunya cases since August 23, 2024. This includes two cases required extended hospitalization of at least 24 hours.

The municipality of Trois-Bassins reported a case for the first time.

Officials also note six outbreaks are active to date :

• Sheunon Ravine (Salt Pond),

• the 400 Line (Saint-Pierre / Le Tampon),

• Hollow Arm (The Tampon),

• Large Basin and Three Ponds les Bas (Tampon),

• The Valley (Saint-Pierre).

Chikungunya is a disease that is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. In Reunion, the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is the main vector.

Symptoms of chikungunya include:

• Fever associated or not with headaches

• Joint and/or muscle pain

• Nausea / vomiting

• Red patches or bumps on the skin

• Severe fatigue

• Irritations , eye pain, conjunctivitis

Some forms of chikungunya can be serious, leading to hospitalizations and, more rarely, death.

It is important to fight collectively to avoid a large-scale chikungunya epidemic in Reunion.

The entire population is strongly encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites, remove anything that may contain water from gardens and yards and to consult a doctor at the first symptoms.