La Réunion health authorities have confirmed two new cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) linked to a previously identified case imported from Madagascar. This brings the total number of confirmed cases on the island to four since the beginning of the year, according to a statement released by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) La Réunion.
The two new cases reside within the same household as the second confirmed case, which was identified on February 9th. The initial imported case was confirmed in January, with the individual having recently returned from Madagascar. Health officials are conducting contact tracing to identify all individuals who may have been exposed and are offering medical follow-up, vaccination and guidance through primary care physicians and hospital infectious disease specialists.
The ARS La Réunion is emphasizing the importance of strict isolation for anyone experiencing symptoms until all lesions have fully healed. They also reiterate the need for rigorous hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with others, and the use of masks by infected individuals when around others, along with gloves if lesions are present on the hands. Proactive vaccination is being recommended for those identified as high-risk contacts, ideally within four days of exposure, and up to 14 days.
Madagascar continues to grapple with an ongoing mpox outbreak, officially declared at the end of December. As of January 20th, approximately 100 cases had been confirmed, with over 200 additional cases suspected, according to the ARS La Réunion. The outbreak has also led to cases in neighboring islands. According to reporting from L’Express, Mayotte also reported cases originating from Madagascar.
Despite the spread of mpox to neighboring islands, border closures have not been widely implemented, a contrast to the response during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, preventative measures are being reinforced. Radio France Internationale reported on January 23rd that the epidemic continues in Madagascar and is also affecting the Comoros islands.
On February 23rd, reports surfaced regarding the grounding of two Ewa Airlines planes in Madagascar, leaving dozens of passengers stranded, though the connection to the mpox outbreak remains unconfirmed.
