Two people have died of chikungunya in French Polynesia as a result of an outbreak that began five weeks ago.
Local media report more than 8,000 people have contracted the mosquito-borne disease since the epidemic began and nearly 200 have been hospitalised.
Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases are particularly vulnerable to the illness.
Chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, can cause fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue and a rash.
Health authorities are warning people to protect themselves from mosquitoes with insect repellent.
