Indian Ocean Chikungunya Outbreak Accelerates on France's Mayotte

Located in the Chikungunya outbreak in the western Indian Ocean, the French Department of Mayotte announced on April 25, 2025, that 55 indigenous and travel-related cases had been confirmed this year.

The Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. In areas where the virus is circulating, particularly in La Réunion and Mauritius, it is essential to protect yourself from mosquito bites, says ARS Mayotte.

Following the identification of the first indigenous (local) Chikungunya case on Mayotte, the Regional Health Agency activated level 2A of the ORSEC plan on March 26, 2025.

Since the, preventive vaccination services have been offered on the island. ARS Mayotte has published a map that identifies locations.

Currently, Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® Chikungunya vaccine is being administered. Vaccination remains open to people aged 18 to 64 with comorbidities. 

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects; however, these are not serious in the vast majority of people and typically disappear spontaneously within a few days. ARS Mayotte says healthcare providers are available to answer any questions.

The health agency advises, 'People traveling to areas where chikungunya is circulating are asked to apply preventive measures throughout their stay (in Mayotte) and for up to three weeks after their return to avoid transmitting the disease to those around them.'