Health officials on Réunion Island have confirmed six deaths linked to the chikungunya virus since the beginning of 2025, amid a major outbreak that has infected more than 33,000 people so far. All fatalities occurred between 10 and 30 March and involved individuals over the age of 70 with pre-existing health conditions, according to the latest update from Santé Publique France.
Declared an epidemic on 13 January, the outbreak is attributed to a sharp rise in mosquito populations during the summer and low levels of immunity among the island’s 900,000 residents. Although early signs suggest a potential decline in cases, officials remain cautious.
In the most recent reporting week (31 March to 6 April), 4,913 new cases were confirmed—down from nearly 6,300 the previous week. Emergency visits at CHU Sud, the main hospital in the island’s south and the hardest-hit region, dropped by 22% in early April. However, health officials say two more weeks of data are needed to confirm a downward trend.
Emergency Measures and Health Impact
The “plan blanc” emergency protocol was activated at the island’s main hospital on 4 April, enabling the redirection of resources and staff in response to the crisis. Since January, 224 patients have been hospitalized for over 24 hours due to chikungunya, including 196 directly linked to the virus. Babies under six months and seniors over 65 have been the most severely affected. Forty-one cases have been classified as serious.
Chikungunya is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and typically causes fever, joint pain, and rash. While most recover within a week, some—especially vulnerable groups—can suffer long-term joint issues.
Vaccination Effort Begins
A vaccination campaign using the Ixchiq vaccine launched on 7 April, prioritizing individuals aged 65 and older with chronic conditions. So far, 2,200 people have been vaccinated, a number deemed insufficient by Gérard Cotellon, head of the island’s regional health agency. An additional 50,000 vaccine doses are expected to arrive by the end of April.
Mainland France on Alert
The outbreak has also had implications for mainland France, where 262 imported cases have been reported in travelers returning from Réunion Island.
Health authorities continue to urge residents to eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding and to take precautions against mosquito bites.
This is Réunion Island’s most severe chikungunya outbreak since 2010. The 2005–2006 epidemic infected around 260,000 people and caused 225 deaths.
