Chikungunya Has Become Local in France

In the past decade, approximately 115 countries have reported Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks, with many experiencing record numbers in 2024.

For instance, between 2013 and 2023, the Region of the Americas recorded 3.7 million cases of CHIKV.

In 2024, the Pan American Health Organization set a new high by reporting over 425,134 CHIKV cases and 236 related fatalities.

Throughout Europe, Chikungunya cases have traditionally been related to international travelers visiting endemic countries.

However, in France, new data indicates an unfortunate change is underway.

Since its introduction in 2004, the Aedes albopictus mosquito (tiger mosquito) has spread to most of mainland France. In 2024, an indigenous (locally acquired) case of Chikungunya was reported for the first time in Ile de France.

In addition, 25 travel-related cases were reported last year.

France's Department of La Réunion Island also reported 138 local CHIKV cases in 2024, primarily in Étang-Salé (70 instances) Sheunon ravine district.

As of January 7, 2025, ARS Reunion wrote, 'The pre-epidemic stage has been reached, and the territory could enter an epidemic situation as early as next week.'

In December 2024, Gérard Cotellon, Director General of ARS La Réunion, in agreement with Patrice Latron, Prefect of La Réunion, decided to activate level 2B of the ORSEC system. This alert level corresponds to an "intensification of Indigenous viral circulation in anticipation of an evolution towards an epidemic."

The last major Chikungunya virus disease epidemic in La Réunion was 2005–2006.

Although CHIKV is generally transmitted by Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, the outbreak that occurred in La Réunion island was caused by Ae. albopictus, which acted as the primary vector due to the ECSA CHIKV genotype adaptation, as the E1-A226V, resulted in a dramatic increase in infectivity.

While the U.S. CDC has yet to highlight the Chikungunya health risk in mainland France or La Reunion, it says international travelers should arrange an appointment with a travel vaccine specialist at least four to six weeks before departing for France. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess which vaccines are appropriate for your trip abroad in 2025.

France has traditionally been one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, reaching about 100 million guests. In 2023, La Reunion welcomed nearly 500,000 visitors.

When departing for France from the United States, Valneva SE's IXCHIQ® chikungunya vaccine is commercially offered by various travel clinics and pharmacies.

This U.S. FDA-approved vaccine has been reported to be over 90% effective for at least two years.