Mauritius: recent disease outbreaks
Sources checked
Recent reports
Chikungunya — ongoing transmission reported in 2026 (Mauritius island and Rodrigues)
Health authorities and international surveillance systems report continued chikungunya virus transmission in Mauritius during 2026, with large numbers of cases reported through September. The ECDC weekly threats report states that, since January 2026 and as of 30 September 2026, Mauritius (island plus Rodrigues) had reported 6,891 chikungunya cases; the report recommends mosquito‑bite prevention for travellers. ECDC weekly report (30 Sep 2026). Local weekly surveillance summaries published in August–September 2026 show new cases decreasing but still present (for example, six new cases reported for the week ending 13 Sep, total 6,826 local cases at that time). Top FM / Ministry of Health weekly data (13 Sep 2026). Outbreak monitoring posts that summarize ministry weekly updates recorded small numbers of newly confirmed cases in mid/late September. Outbreak News Today (25 Sep 2026). Why it matters to travellers: chikungunya is spread by day‑biting Aedes mosquitoes; anyone travelling to Mauritius should use proven mosquito‑bite prevention (repellent, clothing, screens/air conditioning) and seek medical evaluation for fever with severe joint pain. The ECDC report explicitly advises mosquito‑bite prevention for travellers. ECDC (30 Sep 2026).
Official entry screening and temporary entry restrictions (Ebola‑related measures)
The Government of Mauritius published Quarantine and Health‑Declaration measures in 2026 and, on 24 August 2026, set out entry rules in response to viral haemorrhagic‑fever concerns. The Passport & Immigration Office summary states that all passengers must complete the All‑in‑One Travel Form and a Health Declaration Form prior to embarkation, and that foreign nationals who have travelled from, transited through, or been in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda or South Sudan within the previous 21 days are temporarily prohibited from entering Mauritius; nationals and certain permit‑holders arriving from those countries may be allowed entry but will be subject to mandatory quarantine (21 days) when applicable. Passport & Immigration Office — Health and Entry Regulations (24 Aug 2026). Why it matters to travellers: these measures are origin‑specific public‑health entry controls (not evidence of domestic Ebola transmission) and can affect itinerary and boarding; check airline and official government notices before travel and complete required digital forms as directed. Passport & Immigration Office (24 Aug 2026).
Rise in routine respiratory infections and gastroenteritis (September 2026 surveillance)
Weekly surveillance data reported by the Ministry of Health and summarized by local media show a sustained rise in upper respiratory infections and elevated numbers of acute gastroenteritis cases in August–September 2026 (for example, 4,728 upper respiratory infections recorded for the week 7–13 September 2026, and >1,000 gastroenteritis cases in recent weekly counts). Top FM / Ministry of Health weekly data (13 Sep 2026). Why it matters to travellers: higher circulation of respiratory and gastrointestinal pathogens increases the chance of travellers becoming ill and of healthcare services handling more patients; follow routine infection‑prevention measures (hand hygiene, staying home or isolated when unwell) and seek care if symptoms are severe or persistent. Top FM / Ministry of Health (13 Sep 2026).
Leptospirosis — earlier 2026 cluster with fatalities; limited recent activity reported
Parliamentary and ministry records show a cluster of leptospirosis cases early in 2026, with official reporting of 21 confirmed cases and six deaths for the period to 11 May 2026; the government described intensified control measures (rodent control, protective equipment and public education). Mauritius National Assembly — ministerial reply (11 May 2026). Weekly summaries during August 2026 reported no new leptospirosis cases for the week 10–16 August. Top FM (19 Aug 2026). Why it matters to travellers: leptospirosis is associated with contact with water or soil contaminated by animal urine (rats/livestock); travellers who will wade, participate in freshwater activities or enter flood/debris zones should avoid contact with potentially contaminated water and follow local public‑health advice. The parliamentary record describes protective measures promoted by authorities. Mauritius National Assembly (11 May 2026).
Mpox — isolated cases earlier in 2026; under surveillance
WHO and national reporting recorded a small number of imported or locally confirmed mpox cases in mid‑2026 (a WHO situation report notes two mpox cases reported by Mauritius on 22 April 2026). WHO mpox situation report (May 2026). Local weekly surveillance summaries in August 2026 reported no new mpox cases during the week 10–16 August. Top FM (19 Aug 2026). Why it matters to travellers: current publicly available data indicate only isolated earlier detections and active surveillance; standard precautions for close‑contact exposures and awareness of local guidance are advised. WHO (May 2026).
Notes: this summary is a dated snapshot of official and reputable public‑health reports and news summaries checked on 27 October 2026. Conditions and local rules can change quickly; travellers should check the Mauritius Ministry of Health and Wellness and their airline or consulate for the latest public‑health notices, entry requirements and local guidance before travel. Ministry of Health and Wellness — publications.