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.

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.