The prefect announced on the evening of Monday January 13, 2025 the triggering of level 3 of the Orsec “arbovirus” system corresponding to the circulation of a “low intensity” chikungunya epidemic. It was the increase in the number of cases and the dispersion of outbreaks in recent weeks that led to this decision. Since the detection of the first cases in August 2024, 192 cases have been recorded across the island (Photo: www.imazpress.com)
The municipalities in the south of Reunion Island have been the most affected since the appearance of the virus. The city of L'Etang-Salé has the most sectors affected by the virus with 90 cases. We should also note an increase in the number of isolated cases, going from 38% to 45%.
Some of the cases detected are located in other active outbreaks already determined. These centers are those of Hermitage, Grand Bassin and Ligne des 400, Trois Mares.
In this context of indigenous circulation of chikungunya, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) “invites medical staff to prescribe as quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms a biological analysis allowing the confirmation or denial of the diagnosis in any patient who presents a flu-like syndrome (with or without joint pain).”
“Only the PCR test (to be carried out until D7) allows a rapid confirmation diagnosis”, specifies the ARS.
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– Reunion at level 3 of the Orsec system –
Actors are mobilizing to “avoid a large-scale epidemic”, indicates the prefecture.
Thus, the prefecture announced this Monday, January 13, 2025, to reverse the contracts intended for vector control. The state representative decided to restore the coverage rate to 65%.
Reunion wants at all costs to avoid reliving the epidemic of 2005-2006 when 260,000 people, or a third of the population, were infected. 225 people died from the disease. Most linked to comorbidities (young people, young people, people with heart problems, obesity, respiratory problems, etc.).
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– ARS teams in the fight against the virus –
Since the appearance of the first cases, “120 agents have been mobilized and carry out daily control and prevention actions. This number is regularly increased to deal with the appearance of new cases in neighborhoods which until now were not affected by the virus”, notes the prefecture.
Vector control figures
– 43 areas benefited from an intervention
– 436 houses or apartments were visited
– 87 larval breeding sites have been eliminated
– 217 treatments were carried out
The ARS “acts as soon as a case of chikungunya is reported, without waiting for confirmation by the Associated National Reference Center for Arboviruses (CNRa), to reduce the risk of circulation of the virus”.
As soon as a case is suspected, the ARS intervention and vector control strategy applies in the neighborhoods concerned and consists of:
– eliminate mosquito nests (larval breeding grounds) around the homes of patients,
– carry out treatments (insecticides and/or larvicides),
– raise awareness among residents about preventive measures,
– distribute repellents to priority audiences,
– search for suspected cases around the home of a case,
– encourage people to consult a doctor in the event of symptoms and to carry out laboratory analyses.
Partnership actions carried out with municipalities and intermunicipalities will intensify in the areas most affected by the virus. These sanitation actions will clearly contribute to reducing the presence of mosquitoes (maintenance of public spaces, “course fund emptying” operations, public awareness).
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– Simple actions against dengue and chikungunya –
Like dengue, chikungunya is a disease transmitted by tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus). Everyone can be affected: infants, children, adults, elderly people.
Protecting yourself with repellent and a mosquito net, eliminating mosquito nests and consulting your doctor if you experience symptoms are the key messages of this campaign.
Regularly 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 fight against mosquitoes, you must remove mosquito nests from your home and around your home every week:
– throw away or empty the cups, small containers, etc.
– empty gutters, tires, plants retaining water
– make water storage devices inaccessible to mosquitoes (installation of mosquito nets or fabrics, etc.)
– treat or empty unused swimming pools…
Protect yourself from mosquito bites
– mosquito repellent sprays,
– mosquito nets for children and bedridden people,
– diffusers/coilers,
– long clothes…
Consult your doctor in the event of symptoms (high fever, joint pain, headaches, severe fatigue, etc.) and continue to protect yourself against mosquito bites.
If you are sick, in order to prevent serious forms of the disease:
– consult your doctor or an emergency department if you have the following signs and symptoms: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, inability to eat/hydrate, severe fatigue, agitation.
– monitor your state of health,
– go to the hospital if your state of health deteriorates, by calling the 15th in advance.
All the tools and practical advice on the ARS La Réunion website. Prevention, information, advice – 0800 110 000 (Free call from a landline)
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Health, ARS, Chikungunya, Mosquitoes
