The number of chikungunya cases reported in the current outbreak in French Polynesia is estimated to be approximately 130,000. About half of the cases have been reported on the most populous island of Tahiti.
According to a Le Depeche de Tahiti report (computer translated), the official numbers published in the Health Watch newsletter puts the count at 61,600 cases. However, health officials acknowledge that the number is likely much higher if you count cases that did not seek medical care. 800 people required hospitalization for their illness.
Tahiti has reported 15 chikungunya related deaths. There are a number of people who have reportedly been struck with more chronic infections from the mosquito borne virus.
In addition, Tahitian health officials are raising awareness of the bacterial infection, leptospirosis in light of the rainy season. Since the beginning of the year, six cases have been reported including two that are currently being hospitalized.
In 2014, Tahiti saw 129 leptospirosis cases and two fatalities.
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