Chikungunya in La Réunion : Highlights from the Latest Santé Publique France Report
According to Santé publique France‘s most recent epidemiological bulletin dated April 23, 2025, the chikungunya epidemic is still active throughout Réunion Island, with persistently high transmission rates and ongoing effects on susceptible populations.
An estimated 113,000 medical consultations for symptoms clinically consistent with chikungunya have been documented since the year began, with 39 532 confirmed cases. 20,520 consultations were recorded during week 15 (April 7–13), which accounted for 18% of the island’s total general practice activity.
Key figures – Week 15:
- 113,000 medical consultations (18% of all general practice activity);
- 39 532 confirmed cases;
- 231 hospitalizations, infants <6 months (26%), 6 months-17 years (4%), 18 – 65 years (26%), adults >65 years (44%);
- 47 severe cases in intensive care, mainly in infants and elderly patients including 27 adults over the age of 65, 3 individuals with comorbidities, and 17 infants under 3 months old.
- 9 confirmed deaths among individuals over 70 with pre-existing health conditions, and 9 other deaths currently under investigation for their potential link to chikungunya.
Geographic differences in the outbreak persist. Most impacted are the north and west, especially Saint-Denis and Saint-Paul. Some regions, like Le Port, Sainte-Rose, and Cilaos, are experiencing a resurgence in population, while others have reported a decline. The highest incidence rates per population are seen in the communes of Trois-Bassins and La Possession.
Santé publique France urges the public to remain vigilant and adopt protective measures against mosquito bites. Special attention is recommended for pregnant women, infants, and the elderly, as these groups are most at risk of severe outcomes.
On Réunion Island, the CIRAD (UMR ASTRE) and IRD (UMR MIVEGEC) teams are actively involved, assisting with local monitoring and providing vital information on the outbreak dynamics, vector ecology, and arbovirus transmission.
Access the full epidemiological bulletin via the “Arboviruses Epidemiological Bulletin” button down below.