chikungunya Outbreak declared in Mayotte: Vaccination Campaign Underway
Following a similar situation in Reunion Island, Mayotte, the 101st French department, has officially entered the epidemic phase of chikungunya.Public Health France (SPF) announced on June 2 that the transmission of the chikungunya virus in Mayotte was intense and generalized,
triggering phase 3 of the ORSEC arbovirose plan for the territory.
Case Numbers and transmission
Between May 19 and 25, health officials confirmed 204 cases of chikungunya through biological testing. This represents a 42% increase compared to the previous week,which saw 144 confirmed cases. Though, the health agency suggests these figures likely underestimate the true scope of the outbreak due to the absence of systematic recourse to the biological confirmation tests of Chikungunya in emergency and in city medicine, and also an recourse to the limited care of a part of the population.
As of now, no deaths in the archipelago have been directly attributed to the chikungunya virus.
Vaccination Campaign Details
A vaccination campaign is underway in Mayotte, targeting individuals aged 18 to 64 who have at least one comorbidity, such as hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. Initially, the vaccine was recommended for those over 65, but The High Authority for Health (has) has since suspended this proposal due to reports of serious side effects in this age group.
Pharmacists in Mayotte, similar to those in Reunion, are authorized to administer the IXCHIQ vaccine and can bill up to 7.88 euros including tax for the service.
understanding the IXCHIQ Vaccine
The IXCHIQ vaccine is a live-attenuated vaccine designed to provide protection against chikungunya virus.It is indeed administered as a single dose and aims to stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that can neutralize the virus. While generally safe, it’s crucial to be aware of potential side effects and contraindications, especially for individuals with certain underlying health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Preventative Measures
Beyond vaccination,preventative measures are crucial in controlling the spread of chikungunya. These include:
- Using mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
- Reducing mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from containers like flowerpots, buckets, and tires.
