Chikungunya Outbreak in La Réunion Claims First Two Lives
Over 8,500 cases have been reported since August 2024, prompting intensified public health measures and vaccination efforts.
Overview
- Two elderly individuals, aged 86 and 96, have died from chikungunya, marking the first fatalities of the current outbreak in La Réunion.
- The outbreak, which began in August 2024, has escalated in recent weeks, with over 8,500 cases now confirmed.
- Authorities have activated the Orsec 4 plan, indicating a medium-intensity epidemic, and are conducting daily mosquito eradication operations involving 150 agents.
- Vaccination is being strongly recommended, particularly for individuals at higher risk of severe complications, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions.
- This outbreak is the first since the 2005-2006 epidemic, which infected a third of the island's population and caused 225 deaths.