Chikungunya in Réunion

Original publication date: March 31, 2025

Updated: March 31, 2025

Current situation

There is an outbreak of chikungunya on Réunion Island, where the majority of cases are being reported in the southern municipalities of the island. The municipality of Le Tampon is reporting the highest numbers of cases. High amounts of rainfall in areas where chikungunya occurs can increase the risk of transmission.

About chikungunya

Chikungunya is caused by a virus that’s spread by infected mosquitoes, causing fever and joint pain. Other symptoms can include:

• rash
• fatigue
• muscle pain
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting

Symptoms can take up to 12 days to appear. However, symptoms usually appear within 3 to 7 days after an infected mosquito bites you.

Most people recover after a few days. However, in some cases, joint pain may last for months to years. Newborns, infants younger than one year, older adults, and those with certain underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of becoming severely ill.

If a pregnant woman or pregnant person has the virus, they can pass it to their baby. In rare cases, this can lead to serious problems like stillbirth or premature birth. Newborns who are infected may become very sick, and in some cases, the illness can be life-threatening.

Learn more:

Chikungunya

Recommendations

Before your trip

A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya (IXCHIQ) is approved in Canada. Talk to your healthcare provider about how best to prevent chikungunya, including the benefits and risks of vaccination based on factors such as your age, itinerary and personal preferences. It’s best to do this 6 weeks before your trip, but even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.

Pregnant women and pregnant people should discuss the possible risks of travelling to areas with chikungunya outbreaks with their healthcare provider. They may want to be extra cautious and avoid travelling to these areas.

Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

During your trip

Prevent mosquito bites at all times. The mosquitoes that spread chikungunya virus bite during the day and night. They are generally not found at altitudes above 2,000 metres.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

After your trip

If you develop symptoms similar to chikungunya when you are travelling or after you return, see a healthcare provider. Tell them where you have been travelling or living.

Fever and other symptoms of chikungunya can be similar to many other infections, and you can’t always tell them apart without lab tests. One of these infections is malaria, so it's important to let your healthcare provider know if you’ve travelled to an area where malaria is common.

Learn more:

If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
Malaria transmission and recommended preventive measures by geographical area

Information for Healthcare professionals

The Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT) has developed a statement on measures to prevent arthropod bites.

Statement on personal protective measures to prevent arthropod bites

The live-attenuated vaccine, IXCHIQ, is authorized for use in Canada for the prevention of disease caused by the chikungunya virus. Recommendations for this vaccine are being developed by CATMAT.

Learn more:

CATMAT: Statements and publications
For health professionals: Chikungunya