Key Points

• In 2021, Réunion experienced its fourth consecutive wave of the dengue epidemic, the most significant since 2018 in terms of scale, duration, and health impact. Winter transmission was also more pronounced and took longer to return to normal.

• At the start of 2022, climatic and entomological conditions are favorable for mosquito activity. The increase in the number of new cases and the identification of the first transmission clusters in the south of the island coincide with the end of inter-epidemic circulation and point to a resurgence of the epidemic, which usually occurs between mid- and late February.

• To limit the spread of the virus, it is essential to maintain preventive measures such as eliminating larval breeding sites and using repellents for patients (for the entire duration of symptoms for those with symptoms) as well as for their close contacts.

• As soon as symptoms appear, early medical consultation and confirmation of suspected dengue cases (via PCR) are recommended, while applying the aforementioned individual and collective protective measures.