Chikungunya: Nearly 50 indigenous cases detected in mainland France since May, here are the figures

The number of indigenous cases of chikungunya continues to rise in France. In its latest report published on July 30, Public Health France reported 49 cases in mainland France, compared to 38 a week earlier. "The number of transmission hotspots illustrates the significant risk of indigenous transmission of these viruses in mainland France," the public health agency warns. "Other cases will likely be identified, including outside the usual transmission zones."

The largest outbreak is in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. "In Salon-de-Provence, thirteen cases have been identified, including two cases residing in the neighboring communes of Grans and Lambesc," explained Santé Publique France in mid-July. "This is the most widespread outbreak at this stage." Occitanie is also particularly affected: in mid-July, several locals were reported in the Castries area near Montpellier.

Where have indigenous cases been detected this year?

All indigenous cases have been detected since June in these regions: Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, Corsica, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Grand-Est. More specifically, the cases were detected:

• in Hérault in Prades-le-Lez and Castries (9 cases),
• in the Var in La Crau (2 cases), in Fréjus (2 cases) and in Toulon,
• in Bouches-du-Rhône in Salon de Provence (13 cases) and in Vitrolles,
• in the Alpes-Maritimes in Antibes,
• in Southern Corsica in Grosseto-Prugna (11 cases),
• in Drôme in Montoison (3 cases),
• in the Gard in Bernis,
• in the Bas-Rhin in Lipsheim,
• in Isère, in Claix (2 cases),
• in the Landes in Dax.

"Such an early start to the mosquito's active season and such a high number of outbreaks have never been observed before," Public Health France stated in a previous report. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 1,780 cases of chikungunya (imported and indigenous) have been detected in mainland France, including 867 between May 1 and July 30 alone, according to Public Health France. The three most affected regions are: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Ile-de-France, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. In the previous two years, only around thirty cases had been reported, including 0 or 1 indigenous case (contracted on the territory).

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

The chikungunya epidemic is ending in Réunion but continues in Mayotte. The territory entered the epidemic phase on May 27, 2025, according to Public Health France. Nearly 2,000 cases have been detected so far, and no deaths have been reported. A decline in the number of cases has been observed since the beginning of July.

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?

Several vaccines against chikungunya exist. Until now, travelers were not recommended to be vaccinated against chikungunya. However, in its 2025 recommendations for travelers , the High Council for Public Health has updated its recommendations regarding chikungunya.

A new vaccine authorized in Europe in February 2025 and then arriving in France in June, called Vimkunya, is now recommended for stays "in an area where an epidemic is known," "in the event of a prolonged stay," or "repeated stays in an area where active circulation of the virus" is observed, in 12-65 year-olds who have comorbidities. Vaccination is only "to be considered" for those over 65 and 12-65 year-olds who do not have comorbidities. It is not currently recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to insufficient data.

Another vaccine, Ixchiq, was already available but is not recommended for travelers. It is only "to be considered" for those aged 12-65 who are not immunocompromised. The European Medicines Agency announced on July 11 that it was once again authorized for use in those over 65 after being contraindicated in this age group. Several serious adverse effects - including 3 deaths - had in fact been recorded during the vaccination campaign implemented in Réunion at the beginning of April, according to the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines .

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 must 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, including paracetamol. Part of the population is already immune to chikungunya following the last epidemic in 2005-2006, which affected approximately 260,000 people.