Epidemiological Situation

The seasonal flu surge began late this year (mid-August) compared to 2016, when it started particularly early (mid-April). Over the past two weeks, consultations for this reason have been increasing both among doctors in the sentinel network and in the emergency departments of the island’s four hospitals. Sixteen severe cases requiring intensive care have been reported, four of which have resulted in death. The number of positive influenza test results is also rising, with type B and non-H1N1 type A viruses being the most commonly identified. These data indicate the start of the seasonal influenza epidemic in Réunion.