Three indigenous chikungunya cases reported in La Reunion, First cases in more than a decade
Three cases of locally acquired chikungunya has been confirmed in La Réunion in recent weeks, according to Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) La Réunion.
The first case reported on August 23, and two additional were reported August 30. All three cases were from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. They have not been hospitalized.
The last indigenous case detected in La Réunion dates back more than ten years.
The population, and particularly the inhabitants of St-Gilles-les-Bains, are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to consult a doctor in the event of symptoms.
As the level of epidemic risk has not been changed by these new results, ARS La Réunion is continuing the anti-vector control actions started on August 23 in the district concerned, in conjunction with the municipality:
encouragement to consult a doctor in the event of symptoms and to carry out laboratory analyses,
elimination of larval breeding sites (mosquito nests) around the home,
carrying out insecticide treatments,
raising awareness among residents about preventive measures,
distribution of repellents to priority groups
Health professionals in the sector concerned and emergency services have been made aware again.
Like dengue, chikungunya is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Anyone can be affected: infants, children, adults, the elderly.
The population, and particularly the inhabitants of Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, are encouraged to apply preventive measures on a daily basis to combat the spread of the virus.
Eliminate places where mosquitoes can lay their eggs
Mosquitoes multiply by laying their eggs in containers and objects containing water located around the house.
To combat mosquitoes, you must remove mosquito breeding sites (mosquito nests) from your home every week:
throw away or empty cups, small containers, gutters, tires, plants that retain water, etc.
make water storage devices inaccessible to mosquitoes (installation of mosquito nets or fabrics, etc.)
treat or empty unused pools
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
Protect yourself by using mosquito repellent sprays, mosquito nets for children and bedridden people, diffusers/coils, long clothing, etc.
Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube
The ECDC writes:
The last major chikungunya virus disease epidemic in La Réunion was in during 2005–2006. The mosquito Aedes albopictus, which is a known vector of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), is established on La Réunion. Ae. albopictus is also known to be responsible for dengue transmission on La Réunion. The risk of chikungunya virus disease for residents of and travellers to La Réunion is currently low, as mosquito activity is currently low, due to unfavorable conditions (it is currently winter in La Réunion). However, further cases cannot be excluded.