The monkeypox (Mpox) epidemic, identified in Madagascar at the end of December, has reached a new critical stage. Initially localized on the west coast of Madagascar, the virus is now ignoring maritime borders and beginning to affect neighboring archipelagos.

Madagascar: An epidemic hotspot under pressure

At the epicenter of the crisis, the situation is struggling to stabilize. The figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge for Madagascar:

1. 133 confirmed cases and 273 suspected cases .
2. A spread that started in Majunga and moved inland.
3. A mode of transmission (skin-to-skin contact, contaminated objects) which makes tracing complex.

Local health authorities are adamant: the spread is not slowing down, prompting the country to seek external support.

The domino effect on neighboring islands

Geographical proximity and regional trade facilitate the export of the virus:

1. Comoros: Four cases confirmed on January 23 among travelers returning from Madagascar. The country immediately activated its response plan, including the isolation of patients (aged 16 to 39) and the preparation of a targeted vaccination campaign.
2. Reunion Island: The Regional Health Agency (ARS) has detected its first imported case. Although the patient is in isolation, authorities are reassuring the public that there is no local transmission at this time.
3. Mayotte: The island had already raised the alarm at the beginning of January with a first imported case.

A coordinated international response

Faced with the threat of a major regional crisis, solidarity efforts are taking shape. The United States has released $450,000 to support Madagascar. For its part, France is relying on the French Red Cross to strengthen medical response capabilities on the ground.