Nearly 1,000 Cases of Chikungunya in Mauritius: Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill Municipality and Health Authorities Raise Concerns

Despite the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill municipality, chikungunya continues to spread in the region. In less than four months, 977 cases have been reported in the country, with over 70% occurring in the Rose-Hill area.

The chikungunya situation remains alarming in Rose-Hill and its surroundings. Several measures have been implemented by the Ministry of Health and the municipality, with support from the Ministry of Environment, Maurifacilities, and the police for larval treatment operations. However, the epidemic continues to progress, according to Dr. Fazil Khodabocus.

The numbers speak for themselves. "We have just entered the fourth month of 2026, and 977 cases have already been recorded, while for the entire year of 2025, 1,583 cases were reported," he noted. With an average of 30 to 40 new cases reported daily in recent days, the threshold of 1,000 cases is expected to be crossed by this Wednesday. This is particularly concerning as April typically marks the peak of the epidemic.

In light of this progression, a new meeting between representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill municipality is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, to review the situation. A field visit is also possible to identify any shortcomings and address them promptly.

Abandoned Land and Buildings

On the municipal front, the Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill municipality has taken a further step by issuing a statement urging owners of vacant lots and abandoned buildings to take responsibility. They have been given a 15-day deadline from the publication of the statement on March 27 to clean up, or face a fine of Rs 25,000.

The statement also clarifies that if the municipality has to intervene for health or safety reasons, legal actions will be taken under articles 61(9) and (10) of the Local Government Act 2011, allowing them to recover incurred costs.

In a statement to Défi Media Group, Mayor Gabriella Batour reaffirmed the municipality's commitment to minimizing the risk of spread. To this end, the municipality is utilizing available resources, including distributing mosquito repellents provided by the ministry during awareness campaigns in various regions. "It is essential to intensify efforts, both at the municipal services level and among citizens, as this fight can only be effectively conducted with the collaboration and responsibility of all," she stated.

Regarding the deadline for cleaning, she reminded of the existing legal framework: "Every owner or occupant is required to clean their property within the prescribed timeframe. After this deadline, the municipality reserves the right to intervene, and fines may be imposed to facilitate the cleaning of the area." She added that in cases of persistent non-compliance, the law provides for stricter measures, including prosecution in competent jurisdictions.

Gabriella Batour also indicated that the municipality is closely collaborating with the Ministry of Health, and 143 properties have already been cleaned with available resources. "While we await additional financial resources in the coming days, these actions continue to better address the health situation," she clarified.

Awareness campaigns have also been carried out, including the distribution of mosquito repellents provided by the ministry. "Soon, an audio campaign is also planned to be broadcast throughout the city, aiming to strengthen collective awareness and encourage everyone’s mobilization," she added.

Increased Vigilance for Vulnerable Individuals

The country has recorded 977 cases of chikungunya since the start of the year, with 105 active cases at the time of our interview on Tuesday, April 7, with Dr. Fazil Khodabocus, interim director of health services. "We must continue to take precautions to combat the proliferation of mosquitoes and prevent larval breeding sites," he emphasized. He noted that an increase in cases is typically observed in April, a transitional period between summer and winter, exacerbated by intermittent rains. This phenomenon is already noticeable with the recent downpours.

While no deaths related to the epidemic have been recorded to date, Dr. Khodabocus warned that complications remain possible, particularly for individuals with medical histories. He also highlighted cases of transmission from mother to child reported in some pregnant women, urging them to be extra vigilant to avoid mosquito bites. He recommends the use of repellent products, cleaning the immediate environment, properly covering water tanks, and regularly cleaning gutters. Geographically, 70 to 80% of cases are concentrated in the Rose-Hill area and its peripheral locations. Cases have also been reported around Quatre-Bornes, notably in Bassin, Berthaud, Palma, and St-Jean, as well as in Port-Louis and Vallée-des-Prêtres, among others.