France's La Réunion Chikungunya Outbreak Spikes 18%

As Chikungunya outbreaks continue to expand globally in 2025, France's La Réunion Islanders are urged to be vigilant in eliminating breeding sites.

According to France's Ministry of Health on March 12, 2025, 1,766 new Chikungunya cases were recorded last week. This represents an 18% increase compared to the previous week.

During 2025, 5,041 cases have been reported.

La Reunion's southern municipalities have been the most affected, accounting for 72% of cases since August 2024.

The last Chikungunya epidemic in La Réunion was reported in 2005–2006.

France's island off the east coast of Africa is not alone in reporting cases. In 2024, locally transmitted Chikungunya infections were confirmed in Paris and France's Mediterranean coastal communities.

These areas in France have also reported Dengue and Zika infections, which are also mosquito-transmitted diseases.

Also located in the South Hemisphere, Brazil has had a Chikungunya outbreak again this year, with over 40,000 cases, many centered in its mountainous states.

To alert international travelers to these outbreaks, the U.S. CDC has issued a Travel Health Advisory and suggests people speak with a travel vaccine expert about Chikungunya immunization options in 2025.