Chikungunya: 36 Local Cases Recorded, Including 2 Hospitalised Children

The chikungunya situation in Mauritius remains under close scrutiny. According to the Ministry of Health, a total of 36 local cases have been confirmed to date, alongside seven imported cases, bringing the overall tally to 43. Among the latest cases reported on Tuesday 8th April are two children, one residing in Baie-du-Tombeau and the other in Calodyne, both of whom have been admitted to hospital for necessary care.

Dr Fazil Khodabacus, the interim director of health services, reassured the public, stating, “Their health is stable.

They are being closely monitored by medical staff.” Currently, the country has nine active cases, all of whom are hospitalised, including the two children.

In Rodrigues, four cases have been detected; however, there are no active cases on the island.

Turning to dengue, Dr Khodabacus noted that 19 cases have been confirmed thus far in Mauritius.

“There are no patients hospitalised for dengue at this time, and we do not have any active cases currently,” he added.

He urged the public to maintain constant vigilance, particularly during this warm and humid period conducive to mosquito proliferation.

He advised individuals to wear covering clothing, use repellents, and sleep under mosquito nets, especially for children and vulnerable individuals.

In light of the rising chikungunya cases, the Tourism Authority has called upon tourism operators to exercise caution.

In a statement released on Wednesday, 9th April, they recommended that tourist establishments and operators regularly clean and sanitise their premises and surrounding areas, as well as carry out larvicidal treatments and fogging, particularly in vegetated areas. These measures aim to mitigate the risk of virus transmission.

Furthermore, operators are encouraged to educate their clients on preventive measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Source: Defi Media