Key Points

• Following Cyclone Chido’s passage over Mayotte on December 14, 2024, epidemiological surveillance was adapted to the capabilities of all stakeholders to assess the population’s health status.

• At the Mayotte Hospital Center, trauma and wounds were the main reasons for seeking care; 1,440 emergency room visits were recorded from December 21 to 29.

• The ESCRIM (Rapid Civil Security Medical Response Unit) field hospital has been operational since December 24. Between December 24 and 29, 2024, this hospital treated 1,170 patients, nearly a third of whom were admitted for trauma (31.7%).

• One week after the cyclone struck, cases of secondary infections, sometimes requiring major surgical procedures (amputations, treatment of necrotizing fasciitis), were observed, reflecting delays in care.

• People visiting referral medical centers and associated centers are primarily between the ages of 5 and 64;

• The bronchiolitis outbreak is still ongoing.

• Resurgence of the rotavirus gastroenteritis outbreak.

• Nearly 48% of households surveyed during community outreach visits reported psychological distress (stress, fear) exacerbated by loss of housing and limited access to drinking water and food. Numerous cases of diarrhea, fever, and cough were also reported.

• The destruction of infrastructure and limited access to drinking water increase the risk of waterborne diseases (cholera, rotavirus gastroenteritis), leptospirosis, as well as respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis.