Chikungunya in mainland France: what are the symptoms to watch out for?
The first indigenous case of the year, i.e., contracted on the territory, was detected in mainland France. In total, more than 1,400 cases of chikungunya have been reported since the beginning of 2025, and particularly since May 1st, with more than 500 cases. Almost all of the cases are imported, particularly from Réunion. But how does the disease manifest itself?
Chikungunya is a virus transmitted by tiger mosquitoes. After infection via a bite, the incubation period is 4 to 7 days on average. "The disease can go unnoticed," according to the Ministry of Health , or manifest itself through several symptoms:
- a high fever (above 38.5°C) which “appears suddenly”,
- headaches,
- muscle and joint pain that can be intense. It mainly affects the extremities of the limbs (wrists, fingers, ankles, etc.)
Other symptoms may occur, such as a rash (red patches or bumps on the skin), conjunctivitis, or nausea. There is no specific treatment for chikungunya, only symptomatic treatments to reduce pain and fever.
In most cases, symptoms last only a few days. But "the disease can also progress to a chronic phase marked by persistent and debilitating joint pain," the Ministry of Health specifies. In some cases, the disease can be severe, "leading to hospitalization and, more rarely, death."
Vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women, are particularly at risk. According to the Pasteur Institute , "most patients who die from it also suffer from other illnesses." If you are returning from a trip to a region where the virus is circulating, particularly Réunion Island, you are advised to monitor yourself for these symptoms and protect yourself from mosquito bites to avoid transmitting the disease to others.
L'Internaute
