[Chikungunya fever in La Reunion Island--2006]

The epidemic of Chikungunya fever that has affected the population of La Reunion since Christmas 2005 will be remembered as the most serious public health crises in the island's history. A number of lessons have been learned from this experience with a disease initially considered as benign. In addition to providing a concise chronological account of epidemiological events from the beginning of the outbreak in March 2005, this article describes what was done, what has been learned up to now, what could have been done and what remains to be done. After this outbreak Chikungunya fever can no longer be considered as transient strictly benign disease. Nor can the population or authorities of La Reunion ever again consider that economic development protects them from the hazards of the tropical environment.