Table of Contents
Health authorities in France have confirmed that six people have died from chikungunya on Réunion Island since the beginning of 2025, as the island continues to battle a large-scale outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus. More than 33,000 infections have been reported so far, with the situation declared an epidemic back in January.
According to the latest report from Santé Publique France (SPF), all six fatalities occurred between 10 and 30 March, involving patients over the age of 70 who had pre-existing health conditions. Additional deaths are currently under investigation to determine potential links to the virus.
Spike in Cases Since August 2024
The outbreak began escalating in August 2024, with the epidemic formally declared on 13 January 2025. The rapid rise in infections has been attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Increased mosquito populations during the summer season
- Low community immunity to the virus across the island’s population of roughly 900,000
Despite a recent decline in weekly infections, health officials stress that the situation remains critical.
Chikungunya: Symptoms, Risks, and Transmission
Chikungunya is spread by the Aedes mosquito, the same genus responsible for spreading dengue and Zika. The illness is characterized by:
- Sudden fever
- Skin rashes
- Severe joint pain, which can persist for weeks or months in some cases
While most healthy individuals recover within a week, the virus poses a higher risk for babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
WHO Member States Reach Historic Agreement on Future Pandemic Preparedness
Case Numbers and Hospital Admissions
- Over 33,000 lab-confirmed cases since January
- More than 91,000 medical consultations related to symptoms
- In the latest reporting week (31 March – 6 April), 4,913 new cases were confirmed — a decline from the previous week’s 6,300
The southern region of the island remains the most heavily affected, with emergency visits at CHU Sud hospital down by 22% in early April, indicating a possible downward trend in the outbreak’s intensity.
Emergency Measures and Vaccination Rollout
To manage the strain on the healthcare system, the island’s main hospital activated the “plan blanc” emergency protocol on 4 April, allowing staff and resources to be redirected to critical cases.
In response, a vaccination campaign using the Ixchiq vaccine began on 7 April, targeting at-risk groups such as seniors with chronic illnesses.
“Some 2,200 people got vaccinated in three days. This is not satisfactory,”
said Gérard Cotellon, head of the island’s regional health agency.
Authorities expect at least 50,000 more vaccine doses to arrive by the end of April.
Mainland France Sees Imported Cases
As travel continues between Réunion and mainland France, health officials have reported 262 imported cases of chikungunya so far this year — all linked to travel from the island.
While there is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya, patients are typically treated for symptoms with rest, fluids, and pain relievers. Long-term joint pain, however, remains a lingering effect for some.
Public Health Guidance and Prevention
Authorities are urging the public to take preventive measures, especially:
- Use of mosquito repellents
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing
- Eliminating standing water to stop mosquito breeding
- Ensuring window screens and mosquito nets are in use
Despite early signs of improvement, SPF advises two more weeks of close monitoring to determine if the outbreak has reached its peak.
