Despite Decrease, Three New Deaths
- SAINT-DENIS, Reunion — Chikungunya continues to pose a notable health challenge in reunion, with elevated levels of the mosquito-borne virus persisting despite a recent decrease in medical consultations.
- For the past 14 months,Reunion has been grappling with a resurgence of Chikungunya.
- While initial data from April 28 to May 4 suggests a downward trend, authorities caution that the epidemic remains active across the island.
Chikungunya Cases Remain high in Reunion, Despite Slight Dip
Table of Contents
- Chikungunya Cases Remain high in Reunion, Despite Slight Dip
- Chikungunya in Reunion: Your Questions Answered
- What is the current state of chikungunya in Reunion?
- Is the Chikungunya epidemic over in Reunion?
- what data indicates the persistence of Chikungunya?
- Are cases decreasing across all regions in Reunion?
- Why are health officials cautious about interpreting the initial downward trends?
- what are the severe effects of Chikungunya?
- What are the demographics of serious cases?
- How many deaths have been attributed to Chikungunya in Reunion?
- When did these fatalities occur?
- Are there any ongoing investigations related to deaths?
- Is Chikungunya present in France?
- How many cases of Chikungunya have been identified in France?
- What are the concerns regarding chikungunya in France?
- Key Facts about Chikungunya in Reunion – Summary
SAINT-DENIS, Reunion — Chikungunya continues to pose a notable health challenge in reunion, with elevated levels of the mosquito-borne virus persisting despite a recent decrease in medical consultations. Health officials are investigating 28 additional deaths for potential links to the disease, following the confirmation of three new fatalities between april 28 and May 4, 2025.
For the past 14 months,Reunion has been grappling with a resurgence of Chikungunya. data indicates that approximately 175,000 residents have sought medical attention for symptoms related to the virus over an 18-week period.
epidemic Still Active
While initial data from April 28 to May 4 suggests a downward trend, authorities caution that the epidemic remains active across the island.
During week 18, Chikungunya accounted for slightly over 10% of all examinations conducted in city medical practices, representing more than 14,030 consultations.
Public Health France has also noted a decrease in emergency room visits related to chikungunya,with adult cases dropping from 183 to 152 the previous week,a 17% decline.
This decline is primarily observed in emergency services in the south, west, and northern regions. However, the eastern part of the island experienced a renewed increase in cases between weeks 17 and 18.
Health officials urge caution in interpreting these early downward trends, citing a public holiday on May 1 and the start of school holidays during week 18 as potential factors influencing the data.
Serious Cases and Fatalities
To date, 66 severe cases of Chikungunya have been reported, characterized by at least one organ failure attributed to the virus.
These cases include 36 adults over 65 with comorbidities, seven individuals under 65 (six with comorbidities), and 23 infants under three months old.
As the beginning of 2025, Chikungunya has claimed the lives of 12 people in Reunion, with the deceased ranging in age from 71 to 95, according to Public Health France.
Three of these deaths occurred between April 21-27 (week 17) and April 28-May 4 (week 18).
Investigations are currently underway for 28 additional deaths, including that of an infant, to determine if they are linked to Chikungunya. These deaths may not be included in the final assessment if investigations conclude there is no connection to the virus.
Chikungunya in France
Chikungunya is also present in mainland France. Since Jan. 1, 2025, 766 cases have been identified, with 97% originating from Reunion.
Public Health France warns that the risk of imported cases from Reunion could lead to the establishment of local transmission chains and the emergence of secondary cases within France.
Chikungunya in Reunion: Your Questions Answered
This article provides answers to common questions about the ongoing chikungunya situation in Reunion, based on the latest information from health officials.
What is the current state of chikungunya in Reunion?
chikungunya continues to be a significant health challenge in Reunion. Elevated levels of the mosquito-borne virus persist,even though there has been a slight dip in medical consultations recently.
Is the Chikungunya epidemic over in Reunion?
No,the epidemic remains active across the island. While some data suggests a potential downward trend, health authorities urge caution and emphasize that the situation needs to be closely monitored.
what data indicates the persistence of Chikungunya?
Medical Consultations: Approximately 175,000 residents have sought medical attention for Chikungunya symptoms over an 18-week period.
Consultations in Medical Practices: During week 18, Chikungunya accounted for over 10% of all examinations in city medical practices, representing more than 14,030 consultations.
Emergency Room Visits: A decrease in emergency room visits related to Chikungunya has been noted, with adult cases dropping from 183 to 152 the previous week (a 17% decline).
Are cases decreasing across all regions in Reunion?
No. While the decline in emergency services is primarily observed in the south, west, and northern regions, the eastern part of the island experienced a renewed increase in cases between weeks 17 and 18.
Why are health officials cautious about interpreting the initial downward trends?
Health officials cite potential factors influencing the data, including:
A public holiday on may 1.
The start of school holidays during week 18.
what are the severe effects of Chikungunya?
To date,66 severe cases of Chikungunya have been reported,characterized by at least one organ failure attributed to the virus.
What are the demographics of serious cases?
Serious cases include:
36 adults over 65 with comorbidities
7 individuals under 65 (six with comorbidities)
23 infants under three months old
How many deaths have been attributed to Chikungunya in Reunion?
As of the begining of 2025, Chikungunya has claimed the lives of 12 people in Reunion, with the deceased ranging in age from 71 to 95.
When did these fatalities occur?
Three of these deaths occurred between april 21-27 (week 17) and April 28-May 4 (week 18).
Yes, investigations are underway for 28 additional deaths, including an infant, to determine if they are linked to Chikungunya. These deaths may not be included in the final assessment if investigations conclude there is no connection to the virus.
Is Chikungunya present in France?
Yes, Chikungunya is also present in mainland france.
How many cases of Chikungunya have been identified in France?
Since January 1, 2025, 766 cases have been identified in mainland France, with 97% originating from Reunion.
What are the concerns regarding chikungunya in France?
Public Health France warns that the risk of imported cases from Reunion could lead to:
The establishment of local transmission chains.
The emergence of secondary cases within France.
Key Facts about Chikungunya in Reunion – Summary
Here’s a concise summary of the key facts:
| category | Details |
|—————–|———————————————————————————————————————————————————-|
| Cases | Resurgence ongoing with approximately 175,000 residents seeking medical attention over 18 weeks. |
| Fatalities | 12 deaths as of early 2025. Investigations ongoing for 28 additional deaths. |
| Severe Cases | 66 severe cases reported with at least one organ failure. |
| Regional Impact | Decreases in some areas; increases in others. |
| France Impact | 766 cases in mainland France since Jan 1, 2025 (97% originating from Reunion). Risk of local transmission. |