Health Officials: 56 Chikungunya Cases while 1,404 Patients Suffer from Gastroenteritis

Mauritius is grappling with a dual health challenge as local Chikungunya infections climb to 56 and extreme heat drives a significant spike in gastroenteritis cases.

Health authorities confirmed on Thursday, 12 February, that three new cases of the mosquito-borne virus have been detected, with active clusters identified in Roches-Brunes and Plaisance, Rose-Hill. This brings the national total to 56 local cases since the outbreak began on 12 December.

Mosquito Containment Measures

Dr Fazil Khodabocus, Acting Director of Public Health Services, has issued an urgent call for public vigilance to curb the spread. Officials are mandating the elimination of larval breeding grounds by:

• Clearing standing water and maintaining water containers.
• Removing undergrowth and cleaning private yards.
• Using repellents, mosquito nets, and wearing protective clothing.

Heatwave Fueling Gastroenteritis

Parallel to the viral outbreak, the Ministry of Health reports a worrying rise in gastroenteritis linked to the current “strong heat” and recent rainfall.

Last week, recorded cases rose to 1,404, up from 1,310 the previous week.

Dr Khodabocus warned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity has created a breeding ground for bacteria, causing food to spoil at an accelerated rate.

“Even in the private sector, we are observing cases. This shows that vigilance must be general,” Dr Khodabocus stated, noting that the trend is not confined to public hospitals.

Critical Safety Advice

To combat the surge in gastric illness, health officials have issued the following guidance:

• Food Safety: Consume only freshly prepared meals and avoid food left at room temperature.
• Water Hygiene: Boil water before consumption, particularly in areas where supply quality is uncertain.
• Medical Warning: Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. The public is urged to seek immediate medical attention for signs of dehydration—such as intense fatigue, dry mouth, or dizziness—which can be particularly dangerous for children and the elderly.

Source: Defi Media