Some 26 cases of chikungunya have been confirmed in Reunion since last August, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin from Santé Publique France Réunion. Six new cases were reported in the week of November 18 to 24 with two main active outbreaks, in L'Hermitage and L'Etang-Salé les Hauts.
Since August 23, Santé Publique France has recorded a total of 26 cases of chikungunya in Reunion. In its latest epidemiological update covering the week of November 18 to 24, 2024, the organization reports six new cases.
Two outbreaks are currently active: one in the West, at Hermitage, and one in the South, at Etang-Salé les Hauts. In addition, three isolated cases were also detected, one in the West and two in the South. The vector control services of the ARS, the Regional Health Agency of Reunion Island, have deployed their management measures.
Furthermore, dengue fever continues to circulate in the territory. Since the end of August, 22 cases have been reported, the majority in the South (Saint-Joseph, Saint-Louis, Saint-Pierre) but also five cases in Saint-Paul, including a very recent case in the heart of the chikungunya outbreak in the 'Hermitage.
At the start of summer, weather conditions are therefore conducive to the spread of arboviruses.
In this context of indigenous circulation of chikungunya and dengue fever, health authorities invite medical personnel to prescribe as quickly as possible, after the onset of symptoms, a biological analysis allowing the confirmation or denial of the diagnosis in patients presenting a syndrome. flu-like with joint pain.
As a reminder, only a PCR test (to be carried out up to D7) allows a rapid confirmatory diagnosis.
Public Health France Réunion also officially notes the end of the flu epidemic. The number of visits to the emergency room for “flu-like illness” is down 25%. During the week of November 18 to 24, emergencies totaled 39 visits for this reason compared to 52 the previous week.
The number of hospitalizations remains stable with seven hospitalizations compared to five the previous week. No new admissions to an intensive care unit have been reported. In medical practices, Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) remain stable.
The increase in visits to the emergency room for reasons of bronchiolitis in children under 2 years old is accentuated this week from November 18 to 24. 64 children in this age group consulted the emergency room compared to 49 the week before.
Children under 1 year old represent more than eight out of 10 emergency room visits and 80% of
hospitalizations. New hospitalizations are increasing moderately compared to the previous week.
Finally, Public Health France Réunion notes that the number of visits to the emergency room for reasons of gastroenteritis was decreasing, all ages combined. It was 84 last week, compared to 119 the week before.
The number of hospitalizations is also decreasing with five hospitalizations compared to 14 the previous week. In children under 5 years old, the number of visits to the emergency room for reasons of gastroenteritis is decreasing (around 40 visits compared to 73 previously).
