Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, faces a resurgence of malaria and mpox cases, challenging its status as a malaria-free territory. Public health officials report 14 new malaria cases in the week of May 11–17, 2026, with 8 in Chirongui, all suspected to be locally acquired. Since January, 171 cases have been confirmed, including 62 possibly autochthonous, according to Mayotte Hebdo. Meanwhile, mpox cases have risen to 23 this year, with a new case reported on March 18, the first since February 2026, as noted by ARS Mayotte.
Malaria Resurgence Contradicts Previous Elimination Status
The PMC article (2021) highlighted Mayotte’s progress in malaria control, with annual incidence dropping from 10.3 per 1,000 in 2002 to less than 0.01 per 1,000 in 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified Mayotte as a malaria elimination territory in 2013, and no local cases were reported in 2021. However, recent data from Mayotte Hebdo reveals a stark reversal, with 14 new cases in May 2026 and 171 confirmed since January. The discrepancy may stem from the PMC’s focus on 2002–2021 data, while recent outbreaks suggest challenges in sustaining elimination efforts.
Experts attribute the resurgence to imported cases, primarily from the Union of Comoros (85.8%), Madagascar (8.6%), and sub-Saharan Africa (5.6%). The PMC study noted that 2017–2020 cases were likely imported, but the 2026 spike raises concerns about gaps in border surveillance. “The island remains vulnerable to re-introduction via neighboring regions,” the PMC article warned, urging regional cooperation. Mayotte Hebdo’s report underscores the need for updated strategies to prevent local transmission amid rising imported cases.
Mpox Cases Escalate with Public Health Warnings
Public health authorities have detected a surge in mpox cases, with 10 new infections reported in the two weeks preceding May 29, 2026. Santé publique France linked most cases to “risky behaviors, primarily sexual contact,” as quoted in La 1ère France Info. This aligns with ARS Mayotte’s March 18 report of a new case, the first since February 2026, which emphasized transmission through skin lesions, contaminated objects, and sexual activity—even with condoms.
The ARS has mobilized teams to isolate patients, trace contacts, and promote vaccination. “Mpox transmission is primarily through close contact, including sexual activity,” the agency stated, urging vigilance. The 23 total cases this year highlight the virus’s persistence, despite Mayotte’s prior classification as a low-risk area. The 2026 cases mark a sharp increase from 2025, when only 1,291 cases were recorded—a figure that now appears outdated.
“The outbreak underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and public awareness,” said a spokesperson for ARS Mayotte. The agency has reiterated guidelines for hygiene, contact avoidance, and medical consultation for symptoms like fever and skin eruptions. However, the recent cases suggest that preventive measures may not be reaching all at-risk groups, particularly those engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.
Regional Cooperation and Surveillance Gaps
The PMC study stressed the need for regional collaboration to prevent malaria re-introduction, a challenge amplified by Mayotte’s proximity to Comoros and Madagascar. Imported cases remain the primary threat, with 1,898 such instances recorded between 2002 and 2021. The recent resurgence highlights the limitations of localized interventions without broader cross-border coordination.
For mpox, the ARS has called for sustained surveillance amid the virus’s spread across the Indian Ocean. The 2026 cases align with global trends, as the World Health Organization (WHO) has noted increased mpox activity in several African and island nations. Mayotte’s health authorities emphasize that while the disease is generally self-limiting, its transmission dynamics require constant monitoring to avoid outbreaks.
“The island’s health system must adapt to emerging threats,” said a Mayotte Hebdo editorial. “This includes strengthening border health checks, expanding vaccination campaigns, and addressing stigma that may deter individuals from seeking care.” The interplay between imported diseases and local vulnerabilities underscores the fragility of public health gains in isolated regions.
