Six people have died from chikungunya on the French overseas department of Réunion Island since the start of the year, health officials confirmed on Wednesday. The mosquito-borne virus has infected more than 33,000 people on the island so far.
The deaths, between 10 and 30 March, were of people aged over 70 with underlying health conditions, the latest bulletin from France’s public health agency, Santé Publique France said.
The agency also said that several other deaths were being investigated to determine whether the virus was a factor.
An epidemic was declared on Réunion Island on 13 January, following a surge in cases that began in August 2024.
Health officials linked the outbreak to rising mosquito numbers during the summer and low immunity levels in the island’s population of around 900,000.
Health officials say the situation remains serious, despite some early signs of improvement.
Reunion Island launches emergency health plan amid chikungunya epidemic
Spread by mosquitoes
Chikungunya is spread by Aedes mosquitoes and causes fever, a rash and joint pain. It can be particularly dangerous for older people, pregnant women, babies and those with chronic illnesses.
In the week from 31 March to 6 April, a total of 4,913 new cases were confirmed, down from nearly 6,300 the week before.
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