Chikungunya Outbreak Claims Two Lives On La Réunion

La Réunion, a French Indian Ocean island, is grappling with a serious outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that has recently resulted in the deaths of two elderly residents. Local authorities reported on March 21, 2025, that an 86-year-old and a 96-year-old succumbed to complications related to the illness, with one of the deceased having pre-existing health conditions.

The region has faced a surge in chikungunya cases since August 2024, recording over 8,500 instances of the disease so far. This recent outbreak has drawn attention to how vector-borne illnesses can rapidly escalate under conducive environmental conditions. Just last week, between March 3 to 9, health officials noted a staggering 2,888 new cases, with 77 individuals requiring emergency hospital care.

Authorities have ramped up efforts to combat the outbreak, deploying around 150 health workers alongside municipal staff for daily fumigation sessions across the island. These preventive measures aim to curb the proliferation of the two primary mosquito species responsible for the transmission of chikungunya, which also carry dengue and Zika viruses. The World Health Organization explains that the name “chikungunya” itself is derived from a word in the Kimakonde language, signifying “to become contorted”—reflective of the contoured postures suffered by infected individuals due to severe joint pain.

Professor Xavier Deparis, who leads health monitoring at the regional health authority, shared insights during a recent interview, stating, “We had anticipated a peak epidemic for May; however, given the recent numbers, it may arrive sooner, possibly in April.” His comments underscore the urgent need for public awareness and preventative actions against the outbreak.

In response to the ongoing health crisis, La Réunion authorities activated level 4 of the ORSEC emergency plan, categorizing the situation as a medium-intensity epidemic on March 14, 2025. During this week, health officials registered nearly 3,000 cases and observed a troubling increase in symptoms resembling chikungunya among residents throughout the island. Most of the affected areas have reported no prior instances of the virus since 2010.

“Not a single case of chikungunya had been recorded in La Réunion since 2010 before this outbreak,” Professor Deparis noted. His intention to illuminate the past severity of the disease is crucial, particularly when recalling the traumatic outbreak of 2005-2006, which infected about a third of the island's population and resulted in 225 confirmed deaths.

To assist public health efforts, authorities are encouraging residents to eliminate stagnant water sources around their homes, utilize mosquito repellent, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Vaccination is also being promoted, particularly for at-risk groups such as the elderly over 65 years old and individuals with underlying health conditions. The regional health authority aims to facilitate access to the Ixchiq vaccine, prioritizing these vulnerable populations and initiating vaccination campaigns by early April.

As La Réunion fights against chikungunya, officials remain cautious about ensuring community safety and health. The ongoing efforts to control mosquitos and the promotion of vaccination are critical paths considering the historical context of chikungunya's impact on the island.