French Guiana - Chikungunya 2026

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Chikungunya: Six cases identified in French Guiana, authorities increase vigilance

Oriane REALLE, o.realle@agmedias.fr
Monday, February 9, 2026

Health authorities are stepping up surveillance and deploying mosquito control measures.

There is not yet a chikungunya epidemic in the territory. " These are only isolated cases ," insists Francky Mubenga, director of health monitoring and security at the ARS (Regional Health Agency), during a meeting at the prefecture on this subject, Monday evening.

Six cases of chikungunya have been recorded since the end of January. Four are locally transmitted cases, and one was imported from Suriname. The latest reported case is under investigation.

In parallel, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) is conducting an investigation to identify the places frequented by infected individuals. This analysis helps determine whether operations should extend beyond the patient's home, depending on the risk zones.

Emphasis on local diagnosis
"We need to diagnose locally and ensure that all our laboratories have the necessary technology to carry out tests on site, allowing for rapid diagnosis, without going through, for example, mainland France," explains Francky Mubenga.

The ARS also reminds us that "any sick person constitutes a potential reservoir of the virus".

Therefore, preventative actions remain essential.

The population is advised to eliminate stagnant water around homes, use repellents, protect themselves against mosquito bites and consult a doctor promptly in case of suggestive symptoms, such as fever, intense fatigue or joint pain.


https://www.franceguyane.fr/regions...autorites-renforcent-la-vigilance-1067998.php
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Text and image translated by Google

• Published on February 27, 2026
  regional bulletin
  
  Health surveillance in French Guiana. Bulletin of February 26, 2026.
  Download Learn more

https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/regions/guyane/publications/#tabs
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Excerpt from the PDF link above:

Publication date: February 26, 2026
French Guiana
Epidemiological Surveillance
Week 8 (February 16-22, 2026)​
...

​Epidemiological Situation in French Guiana

Since the detection of the first confirmed autochthonous case of chikungunya in French Guiana (W2026-04), the number of biologically confirmed cases has been increasing, particularly during the last week (W2026-08). The virus is mainly detected in the West Coast area, where two clusters have been identified. In this area, surveillance data shows a spread of cases throughout the municipality, reflecting a diffuse circulation that is not concentrated in one area. The number of clinically suggestive cases seen in consultations at community health centers and local hospitals, on the one hand, and the number of emergency room visits for chikungunya at the three hospital sites of the University Hospital Center (CHU), on the other hand, remain low. Hospital surveillance has identified three hospitalized cases, one of which has been classified as "common form of chikungunya," while the other two are currently being evaluated.​

Virological Surveillance

After four relatively stable weeks, the number of confirmed cases increased sharply last week, with 14 biological confirmations in week 2026-08. This increase is likely linked to the strengthening of virological surveillance in the territory. In total, 25 cases have been confirmed in French Guiana (including 1 case in week 2026-09), of which 12 are locally acquired, 4 are imported from Suriname, 8 are under investigation, and information could not be obtained for 1 case.​

​Characteristics and Geographic Distribution of Confirmed Cases

Among the 25 biologically confirmed cases, the male-to-female ratio was 0.6 (36% male, 64% female) and the median age of cases was 38 years [IQR = 24; IQR = 50].

Furthermore, 20 cases resided in the West Coast area, 3 on Cayenne Island (all imported), 1 in the Savanes area, and 1 resided outside French Guiana. Outbreak monitoring identified two clusters: 1 in Saint-Laurent and 1 in Mana.

Hospitalized Cases

Since W2026-04, 3 people have been hospitalized in French Guiana hospitals. Of these, 1 was classified as having "common chikungunya," and the other two are currently being classified.​
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Translation Google

Chikungunya: Cases are increasing in western French Guiana; doctors and authorities remain vigilant

Chikungunya transmission is confirmed in French Guiana. According to the latest epidemiological surveillance bulletin, 38 cases have been confirmed since the end of January, the vast majority in the west. Local authorities, doctors, and health services remain vigilant in the face of transmission that is still considered limited but is nonetheless real.

By Eric Leon
Published on March 11, 2026 at 4:54 PM

Since the end of January, chikungunya has been circulating again in French Guiana. According to the latest epidemiological surveillance bulletin, 38 cases have been biologically confirmed , 32 of which are located in the West , mainly around Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni and Mana.

For the time being, the situation is not considered alarming by health authorities. However, the concentration of cases in this area is attracting the attention of local stakeholders.

On the side of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana (CTG), the elected delegate for health, Patricia Saïd, assures that prevention measures are already in place.

"The local authority is deploying its prevention measures, including scheduling the passage of the concrete mixer to limit the risks of an epidemic ," she explains.

According to the elected official, these actions have been reinforced in the most exposed areas, particularly in western French Guiana. The CTG (Regional Council of French Guiana) also participates in coordination meetings organized with the State and the Regional Health Agency to anticipate a possible spread of the virus.

Beyond these immediate measures, the community also wishes to explore new methods of combating disease-carrying mosquitoes.

Patricia Saïd specifically mentions the Wolbachia approach , a method that involves introducing a bacterium into mosquitoes in order to reduce their ability to transmit certain viruses.

"This method is already used in several countries. The objective would be to see if it could be deployed in French Guiana, subject to authorization from the State ," she says.

In the medical field, some practitioners are already observing a more marked presence of patients presenting symptoms consistent with chikungunya.

In Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, Dr. Philippe Kugler explains that he has been receiving numerous consultations for several weeks now, all related to the disease.

"Since mid-February, a huge number of people have been coming in to consult, saying that they have had or have had chikungunya ," the doctor said.

According to him, the actual number of cases could be higher than the officially confirmed figures.

"I think the epidemic is already here and we are greatly underestimating the cases ," he believes, mentioning in particular patients who were not tested or diagnosed abroad, especially in neighboring Suriname.

Chikungunya is usually characterized by a high fever, significant joint pain, extreme fatigue, and sometimes a skin rash .

"People mainly experience major joint pain. In some cases, this pain can last for several weeks ," explains Dr. Kugler.

The disease is rarely fatal, but it can be particularly debilitating.

Health authorities reiterate that prevention remains the most effective way to limit the spread of the virus. Eliminating standing water around homes, protecting oneself from mosquito bites, and seeking medical attention if symptoms develop are among the key recommendations.

In a territory where climatic conditions favor the proliferation of mosquitoes, vigilance remains essential, particularly in western French Guiana where the first outbreaks have been identified.

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By
Eric Leon

https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/guyane...decins-et-autorites-en-vigilance-1680081.html

 

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Translation Google

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Re-emergence of Chikungunya in French Guiana: what vaccination strategy?

Press release - Published online on April 14, 2026

April 14, 2026
Chikungunya is an infectious disease caused by a virus (CHIKV) transmitted to humans through the bite of daytime mosquitoes (particularly those known as "tiger mosquitoes"). In the context of a resurgence of this disease in French Guiana, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) was asked by the Ministry of Health on February 25, 2026, to propose a vaccination recommendation based on the latest available data for the two vaccines with marketing authorization (Ixchiq from Valneva and Vimkunya from Bavarian Nordic). The HAS recommends the use of the Vimkunya vaccine for all individuals aged 65 and over, and for individuals aged 12 to 64 with comorbidities, who are particularly vulnerable to CHIKV.

Since January 2026, the chikungunya virus has been circulating in French Guiana, with cases gradually spreading across the territory. According to data provided by Public Health France, 81 cases had been confirmed as of April 9, 2026. Ten years after the last major epidemic, the seroprevalence [1] in the population remains insufficient to ensure herd immunity. This creates an epidemic risk that particularly exposes those most at risk of developing a severe infection. According to data from previous epidemics in France and worldwide, severe cases primarily affect people at the extremes of age and those with comorbidities. Furthermore, studies indicate that between 40% and 60% of those infected report chronic joint pain more than three months after infection.

Place of the two available vaccines, Vimkunya and Ixchiq

This viral circulation, along with the availability of the latest data for the Ixchiq and Vimkunya vaccines, prompted the Ministry of Health to consult the HAS (French National Authority for Health) on the vaccination strategy to be implemented in this context. In issuing its opinion, the HAS took into account, among other things:

• The risks of developing severe forms of CHIKV infection in the most vulnerable populations, particularly people with underlying medical conditions and people at the extremes of age;
• Data available to date on immunogenicity, correlate of protection, and duration of protection documented up to 4 years for the Ixchiq vaccine and up to 6 months for the Vimkunya vaccine;
• The lack of clinical efficacy data for both the Ixchiq and Vimkunya vaccines;
• Regarding the Ixchiq vaccine, there are serious adverse effects, particularly neurological ones, that have occurred in people over 65 years of age and recently in a young adult without known comorbidities, as well as missing information on safety in individuals aged 12 to 64 years with comorbidities (e.g., cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, autoimmune, hematological, chronic liver, chronic kidney diseases);
• Regarding the Vimkunya vaccine, pharmacovigilance data is still limited but to date shows no safety signals.

Following its evaluation, the HAS (French National Authority for Health) recommends the use of the Vimkunya vaccine for those most vulnerable to CHIKV, namely: people aged 65 and over, as well as those aged 12 to 64 with comorbidities. In the absence of data for pregnant or breastfeeding women, vaccination is not recommended for this population. However, this vaccine does not have any contraindications in principle, given its composition, and it could be offered on a case-by-case basis after a thorough assessment of individual benefits and risks.

The Vimkunya vaccine can be offered to people aged 12 to 64 without comorbidities , taking into account the documented duration of protection, limited to six months, and the lack of data for immunocompromised or immunodeficient individuals.

Regarding the Ixchiq vaccine, the HAS (French National Authority for Health) indicates that, due to insufficient safety data, it can only be offered to individuals aged 18 to 64 and only after a thorough assessment of individual benefits and risks. The HAS maintains its decision of April 25, 2025, to suspend the use of the Ixchiq vaccine in individuals aged 65 and over, following pharmacovigilance signals. As Ixchiq is a live attenuated vaccine, it remains contraindicated in immunocompromised or immunodeficient individuals and is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The HAS (French National Authority for Health) specifies that it is essential that the necessary resources be allocated to ensure that prescribers and the public receive appropriate information about chikungunya vaccines, their benefits and risks, as well as the importance of prospective monitoring, particularly pharmacovigilance of these vaccines.

The HAS also emphasizes that vaccination is a complementary tool to individual and collective prevention measures (repellents, mosquito nets, long clothing, etc.) against mosquito bites, which remain essential. Furthermore, it urges vaccinated individuals to continue applying these measures.

This opinion may be revised depending on the evolution of the epidemiological situation and scientific knowledge. Furthermore, the HAS (French National Authority for Health) has just been asked by the Ministry of Health to update its recommendations concerning Mayotte and Réunion in the coming weeks. It is also working on developing a vaccination strategy for the entire national territory, with publication expected in the coming months.

[1] This refers to the proportion of people in a given population who have developed antibodies against a disease.​

https://www.has-sante.fr/jcms/p_393...kungunya-en-guyane-quelle-strategie-vaccinale



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