Epidemiological Situation

As in 2017, the seasonal flu surge began late this year (mid-August). Over the past three weeks (weeks 34 to 36), consultations for flu-like illness have been increasing among doctors in the sentinel network and in the emergency departments of the island’s four hospitals. Sixteen severe cases requiring intensive care have been reported, one of which resulted in death. The number of positive influenza test results is also rising, with the majority of circulating viruses being non-H1N1 type A. These data indicate the start of the seasonal influenza epidemic in Réunion.