Chikungunya: Vaccine Available Again for Seniors, Here Are the Figures in France

The number of indigenous cases of chikungunya continues to rise in France. In its latest report published on July 9, Public Health France reported 25 indigenous cases in mainland France, compared to 15 a week earlier. Several cases have been detected in recent days, including one case in Corsica reported on July 10 by the Regional Health Agency . This is the fourth indigenous case (all in South Corsica).

Also, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Health Agency (ARS) announced on July 8 that 12 indigenous cases had been detected in Bouches-du-Rhône alone, 7 more than the Public Health France report. Ten cases were "located in the same neighborhood of Salon-de-Provence, the other 2 reside in the municipalities of Grans and Lambesc," according to the ARS.

Other regions have also recently announced new cases. In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a native case was confirmed on July 8, according to the Regional Health Agency . It was specifically detected in Claix, in Isère. In Nouvelle-Aquitaine (in Illats), a case in a child was announced on July 2.

Where have previous indigenous cases been detected this year?

All other indigenous cases have been detected since June in these regions: Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, Corsica, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Grand-Est. More specifically, the cases were detected:

• in Hérault in Prades-le-Lez,
• in the Var at La Crau (2 cases),
• in Bouches-du-Rhône in Salon de Provence (10 cases), Grans and Lambesc,
• in Southern Corsica in Grosseto-Prugna (3 cases),
• in Drôme in Montoison (3 cases),
• in the Gard in Bernis,
• in the Bas-Rhin in Lipshein,
• in Illats, in New Aquitaine,
• in Isère, in Claix.

"Such an early start to the mosquito's active season and such a high number of outbreaks have never been observed before," Public Health France stated in its latest report. Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 1,700 cases of chikungunya (imported and indigenous) have been detected in mainland France, including 761 between May 1 and July 7 alone, according to the latest report from Public Health France. The three most affected regions are: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Île-de-France, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. In the previous two years, only around thirty cases had been reported, including 0 or 1 indigenous case (contracted on the territory).

What are the latest figures for the epidemic in Réunion and Mayotte?

The chikungunya epidemic is ending in Réunion, but it began in Mayotte. The territory entered the epidemic phase on May 27, 2025, according to Public Health France. The institute reports that "chikungunya circulation remains active with high intensity" in Mayotte. Nearly 1,000 cases have been detected so far, and no deaths have been reported.

In Réunion, a decline in epidemic indicators has been observed since the end of April. The epidemic is now "of low intensity," even though the virus is still circulating and "cases are still being confirmed," according to the latest report from Public Health France published on June 18. Nearly 54,000 cases have been reported on the island since the beginning of the year. The chikungunya epidemic has caused the deaths of a total of 27 people, who were "mainly" over 65 years old and had comorbidities.

How to protect yourself from chikungunya?

Several vaccines against chikungunya are available. Until now, travelers were not recommended to be vaccinated against chikungunya. However, in its 2025 travel recommendations , the High Council for Public Health has updated its recommendations regarding chikungunya.

A new vaccine authorized in Europe in February 2025 and then arriving in France in June, called Vimkunya, is now recommended for stays "in an area where an epidemic is known," "in the event of a prolonged stay," or "repeated stays in an area where active circulation of the virus" is observed, in 12-65 year-olds who have comorbidities. Vaccination is only "to be considered" for those over 65 and 12-65 year-olds who do not have comorbidities. It is not currently recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to insufficient data.

Another vaccine, Ixchiq, was already available but is not recommended for travelers. It is only "to be considered" for those aged 12-65 who are not immunocompromised. The European Medicines Agency announced on July 11 that it was once again authorized for use in those over 65 after being contraindicated in this age group. Several serious adverse effects - including 3 deaths - had in fact been recorded during the vaccination campaign implemented in Réunion at the beginning of April, according to the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines .

Aside from vaccination, the only way to protect yourself from the disease is to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents, mosquito nets, and wearing long, loose-fitting clothing. It is recommended that people living in, visiting, or returning from Reunion Island monitor themselves for symptoms.

Vulnerable people should be particularly vigilant, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses, but also pregnant women and immunocompromised people, and now those over 65, for whom vaccination is not recommended. The disease can indeed be serious in these people. There is currently no specific treatment for chikungunya. The only available treatments are symptomatic, notably paracetamol. A portion of the population is already immune to chikungunya following the last epidemic in 2005-2006, which affected approximately 260,000 people.