Smallpox B (Mpox)

Smallpox B (Mpox), formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus and transmitted primarily from rodents to humans, and then from person to person, mainly through contact with skin lesions.

Our missions

  • Epidemiological surveillance and case investigation, particularly of clusters

  • Contributing to research efforts to advance scientific knowledge at the national and international levels

  • Participation in expert assessments of vaccination and care policies

  • Vaccine logistics (procurement, inventory management, and distribution)

  • Development and distribution of tools, and implementation of information and prevention campaigns targeting at-risk populations

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Data

Cases of smallpox B (Mpox) detected in France

In the first quarter of 2026, 67 cases of smallpox B (Mpox) were reported to Santé publique France. Clade Ib of the virus is now circulating among the exposed population in mainland France. Clade Ib cases were also imported from Madagascar to Réunion and Mayotte and led to secondary transmission. 

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29 May 2026

Mpox in France from January 1 to March 31, 2026

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Situation in Europe and Worldwide

The second Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding smallpox B (Mpox), declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2024, was lifted in September 2025. In Africa, a decline in the number of cases has been observed since September 2025. In October 2025, the ECDC assessed the risk of infection with clade Ib as moderate among men who have sex with men living in Europe and low for the general population. 

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