Faced with a surge in cases imported from Madagascar, health authorities in Réunion are recommending travelers heading to the island to get vaccinated against Mpox before departure. A Mpox vaccination campaign at Ivato international airport.
Madagascar is among the zones where the Mpox virus is actively circulating. In this context, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Réunion is inviting people planning a stay on the island to anticipate risks associated with this disease and take appropriate preventive measures. It notably recommends vaccination before departure, particularly for people likely to have new sexual partners during their trip.
Since the beginning of 2026, Réunion has recorded twenty cases of Mpox. According to health authorities, the majority of reported infections are linked to intimate contact during a recent stay in Madagascar. The virus is transmitted mainly through close contact, particularly during intimate or sexual relations, including when using a condom.
The ARS also emphasizes the importance of preventive measures during the stay: regularly washing hands, avoiding close contact with a person showing a rash suggestive of the disease, and not handling objects that may have been contaminated, such as clothing or household linens.
Vigilance
Upon returning from travel, health authorities call for vigilance. They recommend consulting a doctor or contacting emergency services (Center 15) if fever, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, or ulcers appear.
To limit virus spread, infected people must isolate until their lesions are completely healed, the ARS reminds. Wearing a mask is recommended when around others, and gloves when hands are affected. People who have been in contact with a patient are invited to get vaccinated within four days of exposure, and no later than fourteen days.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report on the epidemiological situation of Mpox worldwide as of May 31, 2026 and in Africa as of June 14, 2026, published on June 26, Madagascar is among the countries most affected by the disease.
Miangaly Ralitera