Chikungunya Cases Surge to 15-20 Daily in Mauritius

As chikungunya spreads across Mauritius, health officials are urging everyone to stay alert. Recent heavy rains and changing weather patterns have created ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that carry the virus.

Between March 15 and May 13, authorities confirmed 322 local cases of chikungunya, with the total rising steadily. There have also been 33 imported cases, bringing the overall count to 355. As of mid-May, 73 active infections remain, showing the virus is still a serious threat.

Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, Interim Director of Health Services, said the daily number of new cases is high, averaging 15 to 20 each day. The recent rains and delayed seasonal change have helped mosquitoes breed more easily, especially in warm, humid areas.

Originally limited to parts of the West and North, the virus has now spread to other regions, including Port Louis and the Plains-Wilhems.

In response, the Ministry of Health has stepped up fumigation efforts and encourages citizens to eliminate standing water and potential breeding sites like discarded objects and containers.

Chikungunya: Vulnerable Groups

While chikungunya remains a major concern, dengue is also present. So far, only 36 dengue cases have been reported, with no active infections currently.

Still, vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions—are advised to take extra precautions. Use of repellents and protective clothing is strongly recommended.

Interestingly, despite sharing the same mosquito vector, no cases of co-infection with both viruses have been recorded, even in areas where both are active. Virologist Dr. Shameem Jaumdally notes that simultaneous infections are rare and usually occur during large outbreaks.

Epidemiological data suggest dengue spreads more easily, but chikungunya has shown a strong ability to cause rapid and widespread outbreaks, likely because local mosquitoes are highly susceptible to it.

As winter approaches, flu season is also beginning to take hold. Recent reports indicate over 3,300 cases of influenza from May 5 to 11, a slight increase from the previous week.

The health department is encouraging people to get vaccinated, especially vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with health issues. The flu vaccine covers strains such as H1N1, H3N2, and B.

Other viruses—including COVID-19, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and rhinoviruses—are also circulating.

Hospital admissions for bronchitis and pneumonia are rising, emphasizing the need for preventive measures like mask-wearing, good hand hygiene, and maintaining healthy habits to boost immunity.

Gastro-enteritis remains a concern too, with 1,492 cases reported from May 5 to 11—more than the previous week. Dr. Khodabocus advises boiling drinking water, eating freshly prepared foods, and storing food properly to prevent spoilage and further outbreaks.

Source: Defi Media