Epidemiological Situation

Following an unusually low level of dengue virus circulation in 2017, including during the southern hemisphere winter, the number of dengue cases has been increasing since the beginning of 2018 in Réunion. An intensification of viral circulation has been observed each week since January 29. During the past week (March 12–18), 110 cases were confirmed, bringing the total number of cases reported in 2018 to 434, all locally acquired. Since the beginning of 2017, a total of 528 locally acquired cases and 9 imported cases have been confirmed (figure). Since the beginning of 2017, 27 cases have been hospitalized (15 in 2018 and 12 in 2017). Cases reported during the week of March 12–18 are located primarily in known areas of active viral circulation:

• in the west in St-Paul

• in the west in La Possession, Le Port, St Gilles-les-Bains, and St-Leu

• in the south in St-Pierre

Isolated cases have also been identified in municipalities in the west and south of the island.