Nine Chikungunya Fatalities Confirmed, Vaccinations Continue

The ongoing chikungunya epidemic in France's Réunion Department has resulted in 39,532 cases and nine associated deaths since the beginning of 2025.

This includes 4,304 new cases from April 7 to April 13, 2025.

On April 23, 2025, ARS Réunion stated that 'the chikungunya epidemic continues across the island. Although the number of chikungunya-related primary care consultations is stabilizing, the number of emergency room visits is increasing.'

Local health authorities, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are urging heightened vigilance for travelers to Réunion.

Visitors are advised to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning.

Additionally, international travelers may pose a risk of introducing chikungunya to other regions where Aedes mosquito vectors are present. It is recommended that they monitor for symptoms, such as fever, joint pain, and rash, for up to two weeks and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.

The CDC says if you are pregnant, consider reconsidering travel to the affected states, especially if you are nearing the delivery of your baby. Mothers infected around the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during delivery.

Newborns infected in this way or by a mosquito bite are at risk for severe illness, including poor long-term outcomes.

The vaccination campaign, which started on April 7, 2025, is available for individuals aged 18 to 64 with comorbidities. Health authorities emphasize the importance of monitoring for allergic reactions within 72 hours of vaccination and seeking immediate medical attention if any symptoms occur.

The CDC's Level 2 Travel Advisory recommends vaccination against chikungunya for adults traveling to a destination with a current chikungunya outbreak. The vaccine should not be administered to individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.

In the United States, chikungunya vaccination services are available as of April 30, 2025, at travel clinics and pharmacies.