Madagascar: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Mpox (monkeypox) — sustained community transmission, nationwide
Madagascar has experienced sustained community transmission of clade Ib monkeypox virus since December 2025; WHO reported widespread geographic spread and thousands of confirmed cases in mid-2026, with 2,921 confirmed cases (including 18 deaths) reported as of 19 July 2026 and evidence of ongoing transmission and high test positivity. WHO situation report (31 Jul 2026). WHO’s Weekly Epidemiological Record also summarized the country-level situation and response up to late June 2026. WHO WER Vol.101 Issue 27 (Jun–Jul 2026) Why it matters to travelers: mpox transmits through close personal contact (including household and sexual contact) and can spread to contacts of cases; WHO and travel-health resources advise avoiding close skin‑to‑skin and sexual contact with people who have a rash, following local public-health guidance, and that vaccination may be considered for persons at higher risk. HealthyTravel country guidance (Madagascar).
Plague — seasonal activity with localized confirmed and suspected cases (Midongy Atsimo and several highland districts)
In October 2026 investigations identified a cluster of plague-compatible illness in Andranolalina (commune), Midongy Atsimo district (southeast) and suspected cases in nearby localities; national reporting attributed at least four confirmed plague cases (several in highland districts) and five additional suspected cases since late July, and a ministry-linked update on 18 October indicated three of the Midongy Atsimo cases were confirmed pneumonic plague while other suspected cases awaited reference-lab results. About 200 contacts were reported to have received preventive antibiotics during the field response. PlagueMap summary of Madagascar 2026 (editorial review, Oct 2026) and local reporting from L'Express de Madagascar on 13–14 Oct 2026. AllAfrica / L'Express (13 Oct 2026) Why it matters to travelers: plague is endemic in parts of Madagascar and seasonal increases commonly occur from September to April. Pneumonic plague can spread person‑to‑person via respiratory particles and requires prompt clinical recognition and antibiotic treatment; WHO’s plague fact sheet describes transmission routes and prevention measures for people in or near affected areas. WHO fact sheet: Plague (29 Sep 2026)
Border/entry measures related to outbreaks — historical measures and traveler checks
In early January 2026 neighboring countries implemented enhanced entry screening after mpox importations from Madagascar: Comoros required travelers from Madagascar to present a recent medical certificate and Mauritius introduced enhanced passenger screening in January 2026 in response to an imported Mpox case in Mayotte. These measures were reported at the time and may affect travel plans or onward connections; travelers should confirm current entry rules with airlines and destination authorities before departure. HealthyTravel (reporting on Jan 2026 measures)
The items above summarize outbreak reports and official updates available on 27 October 2026. Reports are a dated snapshot: local transmission, case classifications, laboratory confirmations and entry/screening requirements can change rapidly. Check national public-health authorities, WHO country and regional updates, and the entry requirements for all countries you will transit through shortly before travel.