Mauritius has confirmed its first imported case of Mpox. Also in the news, an international scandal has emerged involving phone tapping, alongside a rise in HIV and STI cases in the Indian Ocean region. Additionally, a French tourist was injured during a diving session.
Mpox: First imported case identified in Mauritius
A 49-year-old Nigerian national who recently arrived in Mauritius has tested positive for Mpox, marking the island's first imported case of the virus. The patient is currently stable and is in isolation, receiving care from a specialized medical team at Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis. Health authorities have swiftly initiated contact tracing to prevent any potential spread among the population. To date, no Mpox cases have been reported among Mauritian residents. The Ministry of Health assures the public that the situation is under control, with all necessary measures in place to safeguard the community.
Mauritius' phone tapping scandal gains international attention
Revelations by "Missier Moustass" about phone tapping involving journalists, politicians, the police commissioner, ambassadors, and judges have drawn significant international media attention, with outlets describing the situation as an unprecedented crisis in the Indian Ocean island. AFP and India's Firstpost report indicate that five Mauritian journalists have been affected. Reporters Without Borders is calling for an independent investigation to identify those responsible and evaluate the implications for the electoral process. RSF has expressed concerns regarding journalists' safety and the protection of their sources, highlighting that widespread surveillance poses a serious threat to press freedom. The British publication The Independent revealed that Charlotte Pierre, the UK High Commissioner, was also implicated in a substantial leak of phone conversations involving key Mauritian figures. The Mauritian government is now under pressure to provide explanations, particularly concerning the potential hacking of British high commission phones during negotiations related to the return of the Chagos Islands.
HIV and STI cases on the rise in the Indian Ocean region
A concerning increase in new cases of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been observed in recent years. At a conference in Madagascar, representatives from Mauritius, Rodrigues, Seychelles, Madagascar, and La Réunion confirmed this troubling trend, largely attributing it to unprotected sex. Key challenges identified include low testing rates, limited access to care, and poor adherence to treatment. While the region aims to end the epidemic by 2030, these challenges highlight the need for intensified efforts to achieve this goal.
Belle Mare: French tourist injured in sea accident
A 44-year-old French tourist was struck by a boat while diving with an underwater scooter in Belle-Mare. The 60-year-old hotel manager operating the boat reported that the collision occurred approximately 150 meters from shore. The injured tourist was admitted to a clinic in Moka, where he is currently in stable condition.
