Foreign Office issues update on entry requirements to Mauritius amid epidemic fears | World | News
British tourists travelling between two beautiful islands have been issued an urgent travel warning amid concerns over a disease. Those travelling from Reunion Island to Africa’s Mauritius have been urged to follow specific rules, amid a Chikungunya epidemic on the French territory.
The Foreign Office has told travellers heading from the territory to Mauritius they must produce a negative PCR test for Chikungunya to be able to cross the African border. In the latest warning on its page dedicated to the African nation, the FDCO stated: “Following reported cases of Chikungunya in Mauritius, from 9 April if you are travelling from Reunion Island to Mauritius you must produce a negative PCR test for Chikungunya before you travel.
“On arrival in Mauritius, you may be asked further questions about your health and recent travel history.”
Chikungunya is characterised by a sudden onset of fever usually accompanied by joint pain (arthralgia). However, symptoms can range from mild or non-existent to severe.
It can often be misdiagnosed as other viral illnesses, such as dengue fever, in areas where these infections also occur.
France’s Overseas Minister Manuel Valls during a radio interview said last month: “The toughest weeks are still ahead. According to the officials, the expected peak of the epidemic is mid-April.”
Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Reunion is a hidden gem. This rocky, French-governed island off the coast of East Africa is easily explored by Les Cars Jaunes, yellow buses that link main settlements.
The nearest island to Réunion is Mauritius, 226km (140 miles) to the east, and as Réunion is still a French outpost, there are regular, direct flights from Paris.
