La Réunion Reports Three Recent Mpox Cases Amid Global Outbreak
SAINT-DENIS, 24 January 2026 – The French overseas department of La Réunion has confirmed three recent cases of mpox (formerly monkeypox) in the past two weeks, according to the Regional Health Agency (ARS). The announcement comes as health authorities heighten vigilance following an outbreak in neighbouring Madagascar and the continued global spread of the more transmissible Clade Ib strain of the virus.
Local Situation and Response
The ARS La Réunion stated that epidemiological investigations have been implemented for the three confirmed cases. The patients and their contacts have been managed and received information on necessary measures, including encouragement to be vaccinated as soon as possible and monitoring for any suggestive symptoms. This follows a period of heightened alert initiated in early January after Madagascar confirmed approximately one hundred suspected and ten confirmed cases in its northwestern Mahajanga region.
Prior to these recent cases, La Réunion had reported no local infections. The ARS remains in contact with Malagasy health authorities and has alerted healthcare professionals on the island to be vigilant for patients presenting clinical signs suggestive of mpox. All suspected cases must be reported to the agency.
Global Context: The Clade Ib Outbreak
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its spread to neighbouring countries a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 14 August 2024. The emergency designation was driven by the emergence and rapid spread of the new Clade Ib virus strain, which has demonstrated different transmission patterns compared to previous outbreaks.
Clade I mpox has two subclades: Ia and Ib. Based on recent outbreaks, Clade Ib has a lower case-fatality rate (less than 0.5%) than Clade Ia (about 2.5%), but appears more transmissible through intimate or sexual contact, followed by household spread. Since January 2024, high-income countries have reported more than 150 Clade Ib cases with no deaths reported among them.
Key Facts: Mpox Clade I Global Spread
| Aspect | Current Status |
|---|---|
| WHO Emergency Status | Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) declared 14 August 2024 |
| Primary Affected Region | Central and Eastern Africa (DRC, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda) |
| Global Cases (Clade I) | >46,000 cases related to Central/Eastern Africa outbreak |
| Transmission in Non-Endemic Countries | Sustained person-to-person spread through intimate/sexual contact, household contact, healthcare settings |
| Vaccination Strategy in France | Preventive vaccination recommended for high-risk groups; post-exposure vaccination within 4-14 days of contact |
Transmission and Symptoms
Mpox is a viral disease caused by an orthopoxvirus. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with skin lesions or mucous membranes of an infected person, or indirectly through contaminated objects (linens, bedding, dishes). Respiratory droplet transmission during prolonged face-to-face contact is also possible.
The illness typically begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a rash that can affect the face, palms, soles, and genital region. The disease generally follows a favourable course over 2-3 weeks. Individuals are contagious from the first symptoms until skin lesions have completely healed, with a recommended isolation period of three weeks.
French National Response
In mainland France, 73 mpox cases were declared to Santé publique France between 1 January and 30 April 2025, predominantly among men (97%). Three Clade Ib cases have been confirmed in the country since December 2024, with the first involving contact with travellers from affected African countries and two subsequent imported cases.
The French government updated its vaccination recommendations in October 2024. Preventive vaccination is now recommended for men who have sex with men with multiple partners, transgender people with multiple partners, sex workers, and household contacts of high-risk individuals. Vaccination is free and available through designated centres, including three locations in La Réunion.
Travel Advisory for Madagascar
Given the outbreak in Madagascar’s Mahajanga region, the ARS La Réunion advises travellers to and from Madagascar to:
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid close contact with people showing skin rashes
- Avoid contact with potentially contaminated objects (clothing, linen, dishes) and animals, particularly rodents
Individuals who have recently travelled to Madagascar and develop suggestive symptoms (fever with blistering rash) should contact their doctor or emergency services (SAMU) by dialling 15, isolate while awaiting medical advice, and avoid close contact with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I suspect mpox symptoms?
Contact your doctor or emergency medical services (SAMU) by dialling 15 immediately. Isolate while awaiting medical advice and avoid close contact with others. Cover any lesions when travelling to medical appointments.
Is mpox vaccination available in La Réunion?
Yes. Vaccination against mpox is free for eligible groups. Three vaccination centres are available on the island: CEGIDD North East (Saint-Denis), CEGIDD Ouest (Saint-Paul), and CEGIDD Sud (CHU Sud). Appointments are required.
How does Clade Ib differ from previous mpox strains?
Clade Ib, first identified in eastern DRC in September 2023, appears to spread initially through intimate or sexual contact more efficiently than previous strains, followed by household transmission. It has a lower case-fatality rate than Clade Ia but poses greater transmission risk in certain settings.
What is the risk level for the general population in La Réunion?
The risk of widespread community transmission remains low for the general population. Current cases appear linked to specific transmission chains. However, vigilance is heightened due to regional outbreaks and travel patterns.