Recommended Vaccinations for Madagascar and the Surrounding Islands
(Mauritius, Seychelles, Réunion, Mayotte)
Travel to Madagascar and the surrounding islands requires careful preparation, as some areas are tropical destinations with a higher incidence of infectious diseases. A basic precaution is to get vaccinated against viral hepatitis A and to check the validity of your tetanus vaccination, as tetanus is a risk following any injury involving a contaminated wound. Unlike common salmonellosis, typhoid fever can cause high fevers and abdominal pain—vaccination against it is recommended for travelers planning extended stays or visits to rural areas, where hygiene standards may be lower.
Malaria occurs in some areas of Madagascar’s tropical regions, so it is essential to prevent mosquito bites and, if necessary, take antimalarial medication as recommended by a doctor. Mosquitoes active during the day also transmit dengue and chikungunya, which have been appearing throughout the Indian Ocean in recent years, including in Mayotte and Réunion. There is no specific treatment for either disease, so consistent protection against insects is of the utmost importance. Short-term stays in Mauritius and the Seychelles are generally safer in this regard, but isolated cases do occur there as well.
Rabies is also worth noting; it remains endemic in Madagascar and poses a particular risk when coming into contact with dogs, cats, or bats. Starting treatment promptly after exposure is absolutely essential; however, the availability of antibodies may be limited. At the request of certain countries, proof of yellow fever vaccination may also be required, even though the disease does not occur in Madagascar or on the islands of the Indian Ocean—this applies particularly to transit through high-risk countries in sub-Saharan Africa.