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Mpox virus: first case identified in Mayotte
Press release
January 8, 2026
On December 16, five cases of Mpox were confirmed in Madagascar, all located in the coastal region of Mahajanga, in the northwest of the country. Since then, approximately one hundred suspected cases and ten confirmed cases have been observed in Madagascar. The coastal region of Mahajanga remains, to date, the epicenter of the outbreak.
This Thursday, January 8, a case of Mpox, originating from Madagascar, was confirmed in Mayotte.
On December 16, five cases of Mpox were confirmed in Madagascar, all located in the coastal region of Mahajanga in the northwest of the country. Since then, approximately one hundred suspected cases and ten confirmed cases have been observed in Madagascar. The coastal region of Mahajanga, in the northwest of the country, remains the epicenter of the outbreak to date.
On Thursday, January 8, a case of Mpox, originating from Madagascar, was confirmed in Mayotte.
In this context, the Regional Health Agency of Mayotte is strengthening vigilance measures and reminding travellers and the population of preventive measures.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It primarily manifests as a skin rash, which can affect the face, the anogenital region, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. The lesions can also spread to the rest of the body and mucous membranes.
The rash may be preceded or accompanied by fever, headache, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes.
Human-to-human transmission of the virus occurs primarily:
The illness generally has a favorable course and usually lasts between 2 and 3 weeks. The person is contagious from the onset of the first symptoms until the skin lesions have completely healed. The recommended isolation period is 3 weeks to prevent any transmission to others.
Management measures
As soon as the first cases of Mpox were reported in Madagascar, the Regional Health Agency (ARS), in conjunction with the French health authorities, implemented preventive measures to allow for the rapid identification and management of any potential cases of Mpox, including:
Identification of the first case in Mayotte
On Thursday, January 8, a case of Mpox, originating from Madagascar, was confirmed in Mayotte.
Following the receipt of a message of recommendations issued by the Mayotte Regional Health Agency (ARS) to all passengers arriving from Madagascar, and after the onset of symptoms, the individual concerned contacted the health services. They were immediately admitted to the Mayotte Hospital Center (CHM) via a secure pathway.
To prevent any risk of the disease spreading, the Mayotte Regional Health Agency (ARS), in conjunction with Public Health France, has identified and monitored contacts. Furthermore, the ARS is implementing all necessary measures to immediately halt any potential transmission of the virus and prevent its establishment in the territory.
Recommendations to the public
The Regional Health Agency of Mayotte is paying particular attention to the local health situation and calls on the population to be vigilant.
Anyone who has recently traveled to Madagascar and is experiencing suggestive symptoms (fever accompanied by a rash with blisters) is advised to:
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See also:
Madagascar - Mpox outbreak 2026
Mpox virus: first case identified in Mayotte
Press release
January 8, 2026
On December 16, five cases of Mpox were confirmed in Madagascar, all located in the coastal region of Mahajanga, in the northwest of the country. Since then, approximately one hundred suspected cases and ten confirmed cases have been observed in Madagascar. The coastal region of Mahajanga remains, to date, the epicenter of the outbreak.
This Thursday, January 8, a case of Mpox, originating from Madagascar, was confirmed in Mayotte.
On December 16, five cases of Mpox were confirmed in Madagascar, all located in the coastal region of Mahajanga in the northwest of the country. Since then, approximately one hundred suspected cases and ten confirmed cases have been observed in Madagascar. The coastal region of Mahajanga, in the northwest of the country, remains the epicenter of the outbreak to date.
On Thursday, January 8, a case of Mpox, originating from Madagascar, was confirmed in Mayotte.
In this context, the Regional Health Agency of Mayotte is strengthening vigilance measures and reminding travellers and the population of preventive measures.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It primarily manifests as a skin rash, which can affect the face, the anogenital region, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. The lesions can also spread to the rest of the body and mucous membranes.
The rash may be preceded or accompanied by fever, headache, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes.
Human-to-human transmission of the virus occurs primarily:
- through direct contact with the skin lesions or mucous membranes of a sick person;
- through indirect contact with contaminated objects or surfaces (linens, bedding, dishes)
The illness generally has a favorable course and usually lasts between 2 and 3 weeks. The person is contagious from the onset of the first symptoms until the skin lesions have completely healed. The recommended isolation period is 3 weeks to prevent any transmission to others.
Management measures
As soon as the first cases of Mpox were reported in Madagascar, the Regional Health Agency (ARS), in conjunction with the French health authorities, implemented preventive measures to allow for the rapid identification and management of any potential cases of Mpox, including:
- increased health vigilance across the entire territory;
- information to healthcare professionals, requesting their vigilance and asking them to report any suspected cases to the ARS;
- strengthening prevention measures and information systems at borders;
- preparing the healthcare system to identify and manage potential cases;
- maintaining contact with the Malagasy health authorities in order to stay informed about the evolving health situation on the ground
- contact your doctor or the SAMU (emergency medical service) by calling 15 as soon as possible;
- isolate yourself while awaiting medical advice and avoid close contact with other people.
- wash your hands frequently;
- avoid close contact with sick people who have a skin rash;
- avoid all contact with objects potentially contaminated by a sick person (clothing, linens, dishes) and animals (rodents).
Identification of the first case in Mayotte
On Thursday, January 8, a case of Mpox, originating from Madagascar, was confirmed in Mayotte.
Following the receipt of a message of recommendations issued by the Mayotte Regional Health Agency (ARS) to all passengers arriving from Madagascar, and after the onset of symptoms, the individual concerned contacted the health services. They were immediately admitted to the Mayotte Hospital Center (CHM) via a secure pathway.
To prevent any risk of the disease spreading, the Mayotte Regional Health Agency (ARS), in conjunction with Public Health France, has identified and monitored contacts. Furthermore, the ARS is implementing all necessary measures to immediately halt any potential transmission of the virus and prevent its establishment in the territory.
Recommendations to the public
The Regional Health Agency of Mayotte is paying particular attention to the local health situation and calls on the population to be vigilant.
Anyone who has recently traveled to Madagascar and is experiencing suggestive symptoms (fever accompanied by a rash with blisters) is advised to:
- contact your doctor or the SAMU (emergency medical service) by calling 15 as soon as possible;
- isolate yourself while awaiting medical advice and avoid close contact with other people.
- wash your hands frequently;
- avoid close contact with sick people who have a skin rash;
- avoid all contact with objects potentially contaminated by a sick person (clothing, linens, dishes) and animals (rodents).
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See also:
Madagascar - Mpox outbreak 2026
