Madagascar: Monkeypox cases rise to 78, measures tightened

The Ministry of Public Health in Madagascar has announced a new update on the epidemiological situation regarding the spread of monkeypox in the country, with the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases rising to 78. This announcement comes amid close monitoring by health authorities, who have also identified 212 suspected cases in various parts of the country, prompting an increased level of health alert.

The ministry confirmed in its official statement that despite the increasing number of infected people, the country has not recorded any deaths related to the disease since the first infection was detected last December, which is a positive indicator that reflects the effectiveness of early detection programs and health care provided to those infected.

Outbreak hotspot and situation in Mahajanga

Health reports indicate that Mahajanga, a city in northwestern Madagascar, is currently the epicenter of the outbreak. However, recent data has brought encouraging news, with multiple recoveries recorded in the city, suggesting that patients are responding well to the approved treatment protocols. This city is a vital hub, making infection control there a top priority to prevent the virus from spreading to other provinces.

Background on the disease and modes of transmission

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease that has gained increasing global attention in recent years. The virus is typically transmitted to humans through close contact with infected people or animals, or by contact with contaminated materials. Common symptoms include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash. The focus on the situation in Madagascar comes within the context of continental and international efforts to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and strengthen global health security.

Strict preventive measures to protect tourism and education

In response to these developments, the Malagasy government adopted a package of strict preventive measures to limit the spread of infection, including:

• Establishment of health emergency centers: Specialized units have been activated to deal immediately with suspected cases and provide the necessary care.
• Health checkpoints on roads: Authorities have deployed health checkpoints to screen travelers and limit the movement of infected people between regions, especially to and from infected areas.
• Strengthening measures in institutions: The measures included tightening health controls in schools and educational institutions to ensure the safety of students, in addition to imposing special protocols in tourist areas and facilities, given the importance of the tourism sector as a major economic resource for the country, and to reassure international visitors.

The Ministry of Health in Madagascar continues its cooperation with regional and international health organizations to ensure the provision of necessary medical supplies and the exchange of information on the developments of the virus, calling on citizens and residents to adhere to public hygiene guidelines and to immediately report any suspected symptoms.