Chikungunya Outbreak in France's Réunion Becomes Critical

The French Republic's overseas department and region of Réunion today reported a serious spike in Chikungunya cases. Over the last week, 4,156 new cases were reported.

This data indicates a 16% increase in Chikungunya cases compared to the previous week.

Furthermore, emergency department activity increased from 78 admissions the previous week to 128 during March 10-16, 2025.

During early March, Réunion health authorities announced two virus-related deaths.

Since this Chikungunya outbreak began in August 2024, 13,594 cases, 15 serious cases (eight adults and seven newborns) have been reported, setting an unfortunate record for a French department or region.

Réunion's southern and western municipalities are the most affected. Le Tampon remains the most affected municipality.

However, this mosquito-transmitted virus has increased sharply in Possession, Saint Andrew, Saint Paul, and Saint Suzanne.

As part of the Mascarene Islands, Réunion is a vacation destination for many travelers. It is located east of Africa, Madagascar, and southwest of Mauritius.

France has issued a Level 4 emergency for Réunion to alert visitors of this health emergency, and the U.S. CDC issued a Level 2 Advisory regarding  La Réunion's Chikungunya outbreak.

To reduce the impact of this outbreak, Valneva SE and the Agence Régionale de Santé La Réunion recently announced an agreement to deliver at least 40,000 IXCHIQ® vaccine doses starting in early April 2025. The French government funded this purchase.

In the U.S. and various countries, Chikungunya vaccines are approved and available at travel clinics and pharmacies. They are recommended for international travelers visiting endemic countries such as La Réunion.