Key Points

Flu in Mayotte: Epidemic Phase

• In Mayotte, flu epidemics generally occur during the hot and humid season, between December and March.

• This year, surveillance data confirm relatively early circulation of the flu virus:

  • 403 samples positive for influenza virus since August 2021, mostly type A(H3N2)

  • Surveillance indicators have risen sharply over the past week

  • In total, 12 severe cases have been hospitalized in intensive care since Week 37, including one death in Week 46

  • Transition to the epidemic phase since Week 42 of 2021

• Special context for the 2021/2022 epidemic season:

  • No influenza epidemic in 2020/2021: reduced immunity in the general population

  • Co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with possible viral competition

• Start of the flu vaccination campaign on September 16, 2021, in Mayotte