Chikungunya Cases in France Linked to Travel to Madagascar
Table of Contents
By Anya Sharma | PARIS – 2025/06/10 23:39:50
Recent reports indicate a rise in imported chikungunya cases in France, with a notable connection to travel to Madagascar. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely.
French health authorities reported 424 imported cases of chikungunya between May 1 and June 3, 2025. These cases were identified through reinforced surveillance efforts. The majority of these cases originated from La Réunion (378 cases), followed by Maurice (26 cases). Nine cases were linked to travel to MADAGASCAR, with additional cases from mayotte, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
Notably, MADAGASCAR was cited as a country of exposure for the first time in epidemiological week 22, with five cases. Four additional cases were associated with travel to MADAGASCAR in week 24.
Chikungunya in Madagascar: An Endemic Concern
MADAGASCAR has been considered endemo-epidemic for chikungunya as 2005-2006, when the virus emerged in the Indian Ocean islands. Seroprevalence studies between 2011 and 2013 showed a global IGG Chikv seroprevalence of 13.7%, ranging from 0% to 86.7% in Nosy Be.High seropositivity rates were primarily concentrated on the EAST COAST and in the northern regions of the country. Despite ongoing epidemics in neighboring islands like Reunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius in 2025, no cases have been officially confirmed within Malagasy territory, according to available media reports.
“MADAGASCAR was cited as a country of exposure for the first time in epidemiological week 22, with five cases.”
Tourism and Travel to Madagascar
In 2023, MADAGASCAR saw 259,850 tourist arrivals, with 37.43% originating from France and 9.09% from the Malagasy diaspora. This figure increased to 308,275 in 2024, highlighting the island’s growing popularity as a travel destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is chikungunya?
- Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes, causing fever and severe joint pain.
- Where is chikungunya prevalent in Madagascar?
- High seropositivity rates are primarily concentrated on the EAST COAST and in the northern regions of the country.
- What are the symptoms of chikungunya?
- Symptoms include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and rash.
- How can chikungunya be prevented?
- Prevention involves avoiding mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or screens.
- Is there a vaccine for chikungunya?
- As of 2025, there is a vaccine approved for chikungunya in the United States for adults. FDA
Sources
