[Epidemic of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 in Reunion Island: epidemiological data]. / L'épidémie de grippe à virus A(H1N1) 2009 à la Réunion: données épidémiologiques.

In Reunion Island, a French subtropical island located in the southern hemisphere, the monitoring of the epidemiological dynamics of the epidemic linked to the emergence of pandemic virus A(H1N1) 2009 was achieved through the regular influenza surveillance system which has been reinforced on that occasion. It was mainly based on a network of sentinel physicians, combined with virologic monitoring, and on surveillance of severe cases and deaths. The data were analyzed and retroinformation was distributed according to a weekly frequency. The first imported case was confirmed on July 5, 2009 in a traveler arriving from Australia, whereas the first autochthonous cases were reported on July 23. The epidemic peak was reached in five weeks and the duration of the whole epidemic episode was 9 weeks. Pandemic virus has quickly supplanted seasonal viruses that had begun to circulate. The estimated attack rate for symptomatic cases of infection with virus influenza A(H1N1) 2009 was 12.85%. The hospitalization rate was 32 per 10,000 estimated cases, and 24 people had a serious form requiring care in ICU. Among death certificates received at the regional office for health and social affairs, 14 mentioned the influenza, including 7 in whom the pandemic virus has been laboratory confirmed. These deaths occurred in patients significantly younger than usually observed in Reunion Island during the seasonal influenza epidemics. Overall, the epidemic intensity and severity have been similar to those of seasonal influenza in Reunion Island.

[Collective intoxication with "mad honey" on Reunion Island]. / Intoxication collective par "miel fou" a i'ile de la Réunion (océan Indien).

The authors report a collective intoxication with "mad honey" on Reunion Island, which occurred in 2008. Most patients presented with showed faintless, bradycardia, hypotension and dizziness, consistent with ingested food containing grayanotoxins. All patients fully recovered with a symptomatic treatment. A survey around the hives where the honey was collected, showed the presence of large quantities of Agauria salicifolia (Ericaceae family), an endemic plant in the south-western Indian Ocean and rich in grayanotoxins. A close relationship between these two events was strongly suspected. A monitoring system for the manufacture of honey should be implemented.