La Reunion - Mpox 2026

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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:

1. direct contact with the skin lesions or mucous membranes of a sick person,
2. indirect contact with contaminated objects or surfaces (linens, bedding, dishes).

Transmission via droplets (saliva, sneezing, spittle) is, in the opinion of experts, considered to be very marginal.

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:

1. Contact your doctor or the emergency medical services (SAMU) by dialing 15 as soon as possible.
2. Isolate yourself while awaiting medical advice and avoid close contact with other people.

Anyone travelling to Madagascar is advised to respect the following preventative measures:

1. Wash your hands frequently;
2. Avoid close contact with sick people who have a skin rash;
3. Avoid all contact with objects potentially contaminated by a sick person (clothing, linens, dishes) and animals (rodents).

Questions?
• 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

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum/africa-ac/monkeypox/1026840-madagascar-mpox-outbreak-2026

[tetano]

A first case of smallpox B (mpox) has just been confirmed in Reunion Island in a person returning from Madagascar. The Regional Health Agency, which had been monitoring the situation for several weeks, immediately placed the patient in isolation and activated its prevention system.

The threat is now concrete. After several weeks of circulation in Madagascar and Mayotte, the mpox virus was identified for the first time in a resident of Reunion Island returning from the Big Island. "This person has been placed in isolation," the ARS said in its statement. The onset of symptoms, rash, fever is after his return journey. In order to break any chain of contamination, the teams at the Reunion University Hospital have identified and placed the patient's close contacts under close medical surveillance.

https://www.guadeloupe.franceantilles.fr/actualite/sante/la-reunion-en-etat-dalerte-sanitaire-le-virus-mpox-detecte-sur-lile-1065881.php

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Variole B (MPOX): First case identified in Réunion

News
January 23, 2026



In December 2025, Malagasy authorities announced the first confirmed case of variole B (mpox). Since then, the situation has evolved rapidly, with approximately one hundred confirmed cases in Madagascar and over 200 suspected cases reported as of January 20th. Today, the first case of variole B (mpox) has been confirmed in a person residing in Réunion who had recently returned from Madagascar.

In this context, preventive measures for travellers and the population are reiterated.

What is variole B (MPOX)?

Variole B (mpox), formerly known as mpox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It manifests primarily as a rash, which can affect the face, anogenital area, palms of the hands, and 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, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period can range from 5 to 21 days before the onset of the first symptoms.

Human-to-human transmission of the virus occurs:

1. through direct contact with the skin lesions or mucous membranes of a sick person,
2. through indirect contact with contaminated objects or surfaces (linens, bedding, dishes).

Transmission via droplets (saliva, sneezing, coughing) is very rare and requires prolonged face-to-face contact without a mask. Therefore, wearing a mask is only recommended for people who are sick.
While awaiting medical advice, the following other measures are recommended for sick individuals to prevent the transmission of the virus:

1. isolation,
2. to cover skin lesions .

The illness generally resolves favorably 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 a minimum of 3 weeks, until recovery, to prevent any transmission to others.

Health situation in Reunion Island

On Thursday, January 22, a case of variole B (mpox) was confirmed in a person residing in Réunion who had recently returned from Madagascar.

This individual has been placed in isolation. The onset of symptoms occurred after their return flight from Madagascar. Their close contacts have been identified and are receiving close medical monitoring, in conjunction with the University Hospital of Réunion, to prevent any further transmission of the virus.

Management measures

As soon as the first cases of variole B (mpox) were reported in Madagascar, the Regional Health Agency, in conjunction with the French health authorities, implemented preventive measures to allow for the rapid identification and management of any potential cases of smallpox (mpox), including:

1. Information was sent to healthcare professionals , urging them to be vigilant and asking them to
   report any suspected cases to the Regional Health Agency (ARS).
2. strengthening prevention measures and information systems at borders for
   people travelling to or returning from Madagascar.

Recommendation to travellers / to the public

The Regional Health Agency is paying particular attention to the local health situation and calls on the population to be vigilant.

Travelers returning from Madagascar

Anyone who has recently traveled to Madagascar and is experiencing suggestive symptoms (fever, body aches, headaches accompanied by a rash) is advised to:

1. Contact your doctor or the emergency medical services (SAMU) by dialing 15 as soon as possible.
2. Isolate yourself while awaiting medical advice, avoid close contact with other people
   or wear a mask in the presence of other people, and cover skin lesions.

Travellers departing for Madagascar

Anyone travelling to Madagascar is advised to respect the following preventative measures:

1. wash your hands frequently,
2. Avoid close contact with sick people who have a skin rash,
   especially intimate contact.
3. avoid all contact with objects potentially contaminated by a sick person (clothing, linens, dishes).

Furthermore, a vaccine exists; consult a doctor before your trip.

https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/variole-b-mpox-identification-dun-premier-cas-la-reunion

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Monkeypox in Réunion: "We knew it would eventually happen," says the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

LINFO.RE – Created on 23.01.2026 at 13:01 - Matthieu Patou Parvedy

Monkeypox in Réunion: the traveler is placed in isolation at home, not at the university hospital

His close contacts, who were being cared for by health authorities, have also been identified. At Roland-Garros airport this Friday morning, the announcement prompted reactions from travelers departing for Madagascar.

“It’s still on people’s minds. But we have to remain very careful. Just keep following the safety guidelines, that’s all.” “I have a flight scheduled to Diego. A case has just been reported there. It doesn’t worry me too much. But we shouldn’t have to be quarantined every time we return as soon as a case appears there.”

Mpox is an infectious disease that manifests as a skin rash, often preceded by fever, headache, and body aches. The incubation period can range from 5 to 21 days, and transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with lesions or contaminated objects. In Madagascar, health authorities have identified more than 200 suspected cases. Xavier de Paris, Director of Health Surveillance and Security, Health and Living Environments at the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion:

"We knew it would happen eventually. With the scale of the epidemic in Madagascar and more than 5,000 passengers per week traveling between our two islands, the emergence of an imported case was practically inevitable. And that has now been the case since yesterday."

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) is working with airlines to inform passengers both departing and arriving. Anyone returning from Madagascar who develops symptoms should contact their doctor or call 15 and self-isolate immediately.

At this stage, no other cases have been detected on the island. Authorities are urging vigilance, but cautioning against panic.

https://www.linfo.re/la-reunion/sante/variole-du-singe-a-la-reunion-on-savait-que-ca-finirait-par-arriver-affirme-l-ars

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Variole B (Mpox): Confirmation of a second imported case in Réunion

News
February 10, 2026

The circulation of the monkeypox (Mpox) virus is observed in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in Madagascar.

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion today confirmed a second case of mpox imported from Madagascar to the island of Réunion.

This involves a person residing in Réunion, identified through the regional enhanced surveillance system, who presented suggestive symptoms several days after returning to Réunion. The diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory tests. In this context, preventive measures are being reiterated to the public.

Health situation in Reunion Island

On February 10, a second ^case of smallpox (Mpox) was confirmed in a person residing in Réunion who had returned from Madagascar. At this stage, no epidemiological link has been established between this second case and the first case confirmed on January 22, 2026. This patient has been given instructions to self-isolate.

An investigation has made it possible to identify at-risk contacts in Réunion who have been informed individually and directed towards medical follow-up which may include the prescription of a reactive vaccination as soon as possible.

Recommended measures

Mpox is a viral infectious disease that manifests mainly as a skin rash, or ulceration of the mucous membranes (genital, anal or oral) sometimes associated with a flu-like syndrome such as fever, headache, body aches or swollen lymph nodes.

The virus is transmitted through close contact : direct contact with the lesions or mucous membranes of an infected person. This contact is facilitated by intimate contact or contact with contaminated objects (clothing, bedding, dishes).

Transmission by droplets (saliva, sneezing, spittle) is very marginal and requires prolonged face-to-face contact without a mask.

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) reminds everyone that anyone with suggestive symptoms (skin rash, ulcers, fever, swollen lymph nodes, etc.), particularly travelers returning from Madagascar or an area with active virus circulation, should:

1. Contact your doctor or the SAMU-Centre 15 immediately .
2. Isolate yourself immediately while awaiting medical advice.

Furthermore, in accordance with national recommendations:

1. Preventive vaccination is offered to the most exposed people (travelers going to areas of active circulation, people with multiple sexual partners , sex workers, exposed health professionals, immunocompromised people ).
2. Reactive vaccination is offered to at-risk contacts of confirmed cases, ideally within 4 days and up to 14 days after exposure.

Vaccinations are carried out by appointment in authorized vaccination centers (international vaccination centers of the North and South University Hospital, CEGIDD West).

https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/variole-b-mpox-confirmation-dun-second-cas-importe-la-reunion

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Variole B (Mpox): Two new cases confirmed in Réunion

News
February 23, 2026


The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion confirms two new cases of smallpox (mpox), linked to the second case imported from Madagascar and confirmed on February 9. These two new cases reside in the same household. In Réunion, we have recorded a total of four confirmed cases of smallpox since the beginning of the year.


The ARS teams are continuing contact tracing in order to identify all exposed persons and to offer them support, medical follow-up and a recommendation for appropriate reactive vaccination, in conjunction with the attending physician and the hospital infectious disease specialist.

The measures recommended to the population

In accordance with national recommendations, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) reiterates the importance of:

1. strict isolation of any sick person until complete healing of the lesions;
2. respecting barrier gestures , in particular rigorous hand hygiene and avoiding close contact;
3. wearing a mask for the contagious person in the presence of other people and wearing gloves in case of lesions on the hands;
4. reactive vaccination of at-risk contacts, ideally within 4 days of exposure (and up to 14 days).

Smallpox B is mainly transmitted through close contact, including through skin lesions, contaminated objects (linens, bedding, dishes) or through sexual intercourse, even with a condom.
Transmission by droplets (saliva, sneezing, spittle) is very marginal and requires prolonged face-to-face contact without a mask.

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) reminds everyone that anyone with suggestive symptoms (skin rash, ulcers, fever, swollen lymph nodes, etc.), particularly travelers returning from Madagascar or an area with active virus circulation , should:
• Contact your doctor or the SAMU-Centre 15 immediately .
• Isolate yourself immediately while awaiting medical advice.

Vaccination is strongly recommended

In accordance with national recommendations:

1. Preventive vaccination is offered to the most exposed people (travelers going to areas of active circulation and having potential risk exposures during their stay, people with multiple sexual partners , sex workers, exposed healthcare professionals, immunocompromised people ).
2. Reactive vaccination is offered to at-risk contacts of confirmed cases, ideally within 4 days and up to 14 days after exposure.

Vaccinations are carried out by appointment in the three vaccination centers on the island (international vaccination centers of the North and South University Hospital, CEGIDD West).

Information on Mpox vaccination in Réunion (click here)

Recommendations for travelers

Anyone who has recently travelled to a country at risk , particularly Madagascar or the Indian Ocean region, and is experiencing suggestive symptoms (fever, body aches, headaches accompanied by a rash) is advised to:

1. Contact your doctor or the SAMU (emergency medical services) by dialing 15 as soon as possible.
2. Isolate yourself while awaiting medical advice, avoid close contact with other people or wear a mask in the presence of other people and cover skin lesions.

Anyone travelling to a country at risk, particularly Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region, is advised to respect the following preventative measures:

1. Wash your hands frequently.
2. Avoid close contact with sick people who have a rash, especially intimate contact.
3. Avoid all contact with objects potentially contaminated by a sick person (clothing, linens, dishes).

A vaccine exists, consult a doctor before your trip.

https://www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr/variole-b-mpox-confirmation-de-deux-nouveaux-cas-la-reunion