04 Sep 2024 | 10:40 AM UTC
Reunion: Chikungunya activity reported in Saint-Gilles in early September
Chikungunya activity reported in Saint-Gilles, Reunion, in early September. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported chikungunya activity in Reunion, with three cases reported Aug. 23-30. On Aug. 23, the first case since at least 2014 was reported. All the cases were from Saint-Gilles. Health officials began vector control and public awareness efforts on Aug. 23, advising the public to take necessary prevention measures and eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their homes. This report represents the most complete data available as of Sept. 4.
Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.
In Reunion, the warm, wet, and humid season, which runs from November-April, creates ideal conditions for mosquito breeding and virus transmission. The last major outbreak occurred between 2005-2006 when roughly 255,000 cases were reported. The previous years' case counts were roughly five cases in 2009 and 112 cases in 2010.
Chikungunya is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and rash. Symptoms typically appear 3-7 days after being bitten, but can develop up to 12 days after exposure. Most people recover within a week; however, joint pain can sometimes persist for months.
