Chikungunya: 2 indigenous cases detected in mainland France, here are the latest figures in France, Réunion and Mayotte

The chikungunya epidemic has been waning for several weeks in Réunion Island and is increasing in Mayotte. In mainland France, numerous cases have been detected, including two indigenous cases.

The number of chikungunya cases continues to rise in France. Since the beginning of the year, more than 1,500 cases have been detected in metropolitan France, including nearly 600 since May 1st alone, the start of the enhanced surveillance period. In the previous two years, only about thirty cases had been reported. The three most affected regions are: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Île-de-France, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. While almost all cases have been imported, two indigenous cases, i.e., contracted on the territory, were reported in two weeks in mainland France in 2025.

These are the "earliest cases ever identified for indigenous cases during the active season of the vector mosquito" of chikungunya, according to the latest report from Public Health France published on June 18, 2025. A first indigenous case was detected on June 11, 2025 in the Var, according to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur. The ARS assured in a press release that "immediate measures are being implemented to limit any risk of spread," including a mosquito control operation.

The second indigenous case of chikungunya this year in mainland France has been detected in the Hérault region, in the commune of Prades-le-Lez. Fortunately, "the state of health of the sick person does not give rise to concern," according to a press release from the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS) published on June 16, 2025. The Agency is asking "people who have been to the commune of Prades-le-Lez and who have shown signs suggestive of chikungunya since the beginning of May to consult their doctor." These symptoms may include fever, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, eye pain, red spots on the skin, etc.

What are the latest figures for the epidemic in Réunion and Mayotte?

The chikungunya epidemic is ending in Réunion, but it began in Mayotte. The territory entered the epidemic phase on May 27, 2025, according to Public Health France. The institute reports "intense and widespread transmission of the virus" in Mayotte. 560 cases have been detected so far, and this number is expected to rise rapidly as "the epidemic continues," according to Public Health France. Five people have been hospitalized.

In Réunion, a decline in epidemic indicators has been observed since the end of April. The epidemic is now "of low intensity," even though the virus is still circulating and "cases are still being confirmed," according to the latest report from Public Health France published on June 18. Nearly 54,000 cases have been reported on the island since the beginning of the year. The chikungunya epidemic has caused the deaths of a total of 27 people, who were "mainly" over 65 years old and had comorbidities.

How to protect yourself from chikungunya?

There is a vaccine against chikungunya. But while a vaccination campaign against chikungunya was launched in early April in Réunion, it was halted barely a month later for a portion of the population. Health authorities made this decision on April 26 following "serious adverse events" in three people over the age of 80 after being vaccinated. One of them died. Health authorities therefore removed "people aged 65 and over, with or without comorbidities, from the vaccination target," and did so "without delay." Those aged 18 to 64 who have comorbidities can still be vaccinated.

Aside from vaccination, the only way to protect yourself from the disease is to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents, mosquito nets, and wearing long, loose-fitting clothing. It is recommended that people living in, visiting, or returning from Reunion Island monitor themselves for symptoms.

Vulnerable people should be particularly vigilant, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses, but also pregnant women and immunocompromised people, and now those over 65, for whom vaccination is not recommended. The disease can indeed be serious in these people. There is currently no specific treatment for chikungunya. The only available treatments are symptomatic, notably paracetamol. A portion of the population is already immune to chikungunya following the last epidemic in 2005-2006, which affected approximately 260,000 people. Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 50,000 cases have been confirmed in Réunion.