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Mpox virus: heightened vigilance in Reunion Island
News
January 9, 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, in the northwest of the country, remains the epicenter of the outbreak. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion is strengthening its vigilance measures.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It primarily manifests as a 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 entire body and mucous membranes, and are sometimes accompanied by itching. The rash may be preceded or accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, or swollen lymph nodes.
Human-to-human transmission of the virus occurs through:
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.
Health situation in Reunion Island
To date, no cases have been identified in Réunion.
Management measures and recommendations for healthcare professionals and travellers
The ARS, in conjunction with the French health authorities, is in contact with the Malagasy health authorities in order to understand the evolution of the health situation on the ground.
As soon as the first cases of Mpox were reported in Madagascar, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) alerted healthcare professionals in Réunion to be vigilant regarding any patient presenting with clinical signs suggestive of Mpox. All cases, even suspected ones, must be reported to the ARS.
The ARS is also strengthening prevention measures by ensuring, with the help of airlines, that all passengers traveling to or returning from Madagascar are informed.
Anyone who has recently traveled to Madagascar and is experiencing suggestive symptoms (fever accompanied by a rash with blisters) is advised to:
• Call the toll-free "monkeypox info service" number at 0 801 90 80 69 (every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., call and service are free and anonymous)
• or visit the website www.monkeypox-info-service.fr
https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/v...us%20Monkeypox.
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See also:
Madagascar - Mpox outbreak 2026
Mpox virus: heightened vigilance in Reunion Island
News
January 9, 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, in the northwest of the country, remains the epicenter of the outbreak. The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion is strengthening its vigilance measures.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It primarily manifests as a 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 entire body and mucous membranes, and are sometimes accompanied by itching. The rash may be preceded or accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, or swollen lymph nodes.
Human-to-human transmission of the virus occurs through:
- direct contact with the skin lesions or mucous membranes of a sick person,
- 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.
Health situation in Reunion Island
To date, no cases have been identified in Réunion.
Management measures and recommendations for healthcare professionals and travellers
The ARS, in conjunction with the French health authorities, is in contact with the Malagasy health authorities in order to understand the evolution of the health situation on the ground.
As soon as the first cases of Mpox were reported in Madagascar, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) alerted healthcare professionals in Réunion to be vigilant regarding any patient presenting with clinical signs suggestive of Mpox. All cases, even suspected ones, must be reported to the ARS.
The ARS is also strengthening prevention measures by ensuring, with the help of airlines, that all passengers traveling to or returning from Madagascar are informed.
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 emergency medical services (SAMU) by dialing 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).
• Call the toll-free "monkeypox info service" number at 0 801 90 80 69 (every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., call and service are free and anonymous)
• or visit the website www.monkeypox-info-service.fr
https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/v...us%20Monkeypox.
---------------------------------------------------------------
See also:
Madagascar - Mpox outbreak 2026