Reunion Island Grapples with Escalating Flu Epidemic as Respiratory Virus Activity Surges
July 22, 2025
Reunion Island is now officially experiencing a flu epidemic, marked by a sustained increase in respiratory virus circulation.data indicates a notable rise in flu-related emergency room visits, with 228 reported in week 28, an increase of 97 from the previous week. Hospitalizations have nearly doubled, with 30 new admissions recorded in week 28 compared to week 27.
community health reports show that acute respiratory infections (IRA) have remained at a high level for six consecutive weeks. In week 28, IRAs accounted for 4.8% of health activity, exceeding the 2013-2024 average for this period.
Virological surveillance confirmed a sharp uptick in influenza virus activity during week 28, with 51 positive cases identified, raising the positivity rate to 22% from 13% in week 27. The H3N2 strain continues to be the predominant influenza virus, responsible for 84% of positive tests.
In response to the growing epidemic, the Regional Health Agency and health insurance providers are emphasizing the critical importance of vaccination, particularly for individuals at higher risk and their close contacts. This measure aims to mitigate the health impact of the current outbreak.
Vaccination campaigns for both seasonal flu and COVID-19 commenced on May 12, 2025, across Reunion Island. The Vaxigrip Tetra HS vaccine, formulated to match circulating viruses in the Southern Hemisphere, is being utilized for influenza immunizations.
Sources: Regional epidemiological bulletin. Epidemiological surveillance in Reunion. Week 28 (from July 7 to July 13, 2025), Reunion Regional Health Agency, Health insurance meeting.
Associated areas: meeting, island of the, meeting, Reunion Island
