Santé Publique France indicates that 4 new cases of chikungunya were diagnosed the week of November 11 to 17, 2024 in Reunion. Two outbreaks are still active in the west of the island. Vigilance against mosquitoes is essential at the start of summer. A total of 20 cases have been confirmed since August 23.
We must be extra careful during this rainy season: chikungunya is still present in Reunion, and 4 new cases were added to the 16 previous ones during the week of November 11 to 17, 2024.
They bring to 20 the number of indigenous cases recorded on the island since the return of the virus to Reunion Island was noted on August 23.
If until now the people affected by this virus were all in the west of the island, an isolated case was recorded at Ravine des Cabris in Saint-Pierre, according to information from the latest weekly epidemiological bulletin from Health Public France.
“The latest recent cases call for the greatest vigilance because they demonstrate continued transmission in active outbreaks and continued geographic dispersion.”
Weekly epidemiological bulletin from November 11 to 17, Public Health France
The other three are linked to already known outbreaks – groupings of cases – at Ermitage and Etang-Salé-les-hauts. As of November 21, these are the two active outbreaks on the island.
Good news, the first outbreak detected in Les Aigrettes, comprising 7 cases, is now extinguished: the last known case dates back more than 45 days according to Public Health France.
After the diagnosis of these four new cases last week, “the ARS vector control services have deployed their management measures“, indicates Public Health France.
Especially since dengue is still present too, even if it only circulates quietly in Reunion. 22 cases have been reported since the end of August, the majority in the South, in Saint-Joseph, Saint-Louis and Saint-Pierre, but also a few in Saint-Paul.
In addition, the population must exercise great vigilance with the arrival of summer. Heat and rain are favorable conditions for the reproduction of mosquitoes, vectors of chikungunya and dengue. Remember that these vector-borne diseases can take very serious forms, causing hospitalization or even death.
- Eliminate standing water (mosquito nests) every week: empty the cups, flower pots, plants that retain water, etc.; check the gutters; store tires and any object that could accumulate water; cover water tanks with mosquito nets or fabrics.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites with repellents and mosquito nets, especially for children, bedridden people and people sick with dengue or chikungunya.
- Consult your doctor at the first symptoms (fever, headache, pain
muscles/joints, nausea, etc.). A laboratory analysis prescribed by the doctor will confirm the diagnosis.
The ARS emphasizes that nearly 100 of its vector control agents are mobilized on a daily basis, with municipal and associative actors.
In this context, health professionals are invited to prescribe a biological analysis to their patients presenting flu-like symptoms with joint pain, in order to confirm or deny the presence of these viruses linked to mosquitoes.
France
