Description of Influenza Outbreaks in France’s Overseas Territories Between January 2012 and July 2022

Introduction – Seasonal influenza viruses cause outbreaks of varying magnitude and severity each year, posing a major public health challenge.Methods – Epidemiological surveillance indicators for influenza were analyzed for Réunion, Mayotte, French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy between January 2012 and July 2022. These indicators are generated through a network of regional partners in community practice and hospitals. The dynamics of the outbreaks (timing and duration) and the nature of the dominant influenza viruses were compared across each territory.Results – On average, influenza outbreaks lasted 17 weeks per season in French Guiana and Mayotte, 13 weeks in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion, and 11 weeks in Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy. The seasonality of influenza was similar in Mayotte, French Guiana, and the Antilles. In contrast, influenza exhibited very different seasonality in Réunion. Within the same year, the dominant influenza viruses varied from one territory to another.Conclusion – The epidemiology of influenza remains complex in these territories, all of which are located in the intertropical zone and are therefore dependent on viral circulation within their own hemisphere. This highlights the importance of having effective surveillance systems to detect outbreaks early and assess their impact, as well as of fostering collaboration with neighboring countries.

Author(s): Barrau Marie, Daoudi Jamel, Daudens-Vaysse Élise, Gbaguidi Gwladys, Hassan Éline, Lapostolle Annabelle, Pognon Damien, Filleul Laurent, Bernard-Stoecklin Sibylle

Publishing year: 2026

Pages: 454-463

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2026, n° 21, p. 454-463

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