Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Port Louis, Mauritius (March 21, 2025)
Location: Reunion Island
Event: Increased Cases of Chikungunya Reported.
Since August 23, 2024, the ‘Agence Régionale de Santé’ has reported increasing cases of chikungunya around Reunion, particularly with the arrival of recent rains.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) Travel Health Notice for Chikungunya in Reunion.
While it is reported that the health impact remains relatively low, it is recommended that travelers and residents take necessary precautions.
Chikungunya is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The best way to protect yourself from chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites.
Resources and guidance on prevention, symptoms, and treatment:
- CDC page on Chikungunya provides information on symptoms, treatment, and preventative advice on nets, repellants, and reducing mosquito habitats near your home.
- Monitor and follow the Reunion public health announcements via the Agence Régionale de Santé and local media.
Actions to Take:
- Use insect repellent: Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- DEET
- Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
- IR3535
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
- Protect babies and children:
- Dress the child in clothing that covers arms and legs
- Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and treat clothing and gear using 0.5% permethrin
- Use a mosquito net over bedding if you are outside or when screened rooms are not available
- Take steps to control mosquitos indoors and outdoors
- Use screens on windows and doors
- Use air conditioning, if available
- Stop mosquitos from laying eggs in or near water by emptying items that hold water such as buckets, planters, or trash containers
Assistance:
· U.S. Embassy to Mauritius, Seychelles, and Réunion
Consular Section U.S. Embassy Port Louis
https://mu.usembassy.gov/services/#emergencyassistance
Telephone: + (230) 202-4400
Email: PTLConsular@state.gov
· State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
· Mauritius Country Information
· Seychelles Country Information
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