Visitors From Réunion or Mayotte Should Register During Chikungunya Outbreak

According to the French Polynesian health ministry, a chikungunya virus epidemic is currently underway in the French overseas departments of Réunion and Mayotte.

As of September 7, 2025, the ministry's website states that anyone who has visited Réunion or Mayotte in the three weeks preceding their arrival in French Polynesia is likely to have introduced the virus into the country.

Consequently, visitors are encouraged to report to the country's health authorities upon arrival in French Polynesia.

These travelers can identify themselves by completing an online form for health authorities, accessible at this link.

French Polynesia comprises 121 islands and atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, including vacation favorites such as Tahiti and Bora Bora.

Additionally, several countries were recently included in a Level 2 Travel Health Advisory.

Furthermore, the southern coast of France has become a hotspot for locally acquired chikungunya.

This disease, transmitted by virus-carrying mosquitoes, causes fever and pain that can develop into arthritis and sometimes become severe in individuals with certain underlying health conditions. Additionally, there are specific health risks for pregnant women and infants.

From a disease prevention perspective, chikungunya vaccines have been approved over the past two years. They are commercially available at travel clinics and pharmacies in the USA, throughout Europe, and the United Kingdom.