On Saturday 26 October, the first case of MPOX infection was confirmed in Mauritius.
Press Release – First case of MPOX in Mauritius (imported case)
The Ministry of Health and Welfare would like to inform residents that an imported case of smallpox was confirmed on Saturday 26 October 2024 in Mauritius.
The health condition of the patient, a 49-year-old Nigerian, does not cause concern, and he has been placed in isolation at Dr. AG Gitto Hospital in Port Louis, where he is being followed by a multidisciplinary team of doctors.
Skin samples taken from the patient's skin lesions were analyzed at the Central Health Laboratory, and the PCR test came back positive for Mpox disease.
Mpox Disease Operational Plan of the Ministry of Health and Welfare
Once a suspected case of smallpox was discovered, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's “Smallpox Operational Plan” protocol was initiated. Contact tracing is currently underway.
The current protocol includes isolation measures, diagnostic procedures, and patient management strategies aimed at containing the spread of the virus in the country. Diagnostic testing is being performed using PCR tests on samples taken from skin lesions and the national response is coordinated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Proactive measures are being taken to align the national response with international and regional efforts to effectively manage and contain the outbreak in terms of:
- Monitoring and contact tracing, especially at entry points such as ports and airports.
- Mobilize resources, including personal protective equipment, diagnostic tools and vaccine supplies.
- Distribution of the vaccine according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization. There is currently a stock of 1,000 doses of Mpox vaccines with an expiration date of October 31, 2031.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness would like to reassure residents that all measures are being taken to prevent the spread of Mpox virus among the population and specifies that no local case of Mpox virus has been detected in the Republic of Mauritius to date.
