An advanced measles vaccination strategy is underway in the villages of Ambohitsimanova commune, in the Antsirabe II district. Authorities launched the response as soon as the first suspected cases were reported. Local Ministry of Health teams were on-site when the six child deaths were reported, immediately triggering a vaccination and awareness campaign alongside patient care. This emergency response comes as health authorities point to low vaccination coverage as the primary factor for the outbreak.
According to a source from the Ministry of Public Health, the six children, all under seven years old, passed away on August 4 and 5. Investigations by medical teams, supported by laboratory analyses, confirmed that the deaths were caused by measles. Initial findings reveal that several other children in the locality are currently infected. The ministry believes that school holidays increase the risk of spread due to travel and more frequent contact between children.
Health teams have initiated response activities in the affected villages. Sick children are receiving medical care and vitamin A supplementation. Authorities are also urging families to isolate infected children to limit virus transmission and to follow the recommendations of health workers.
Simultaneously, an awareness campaign is being conducted to encourage parents to vaccinate their children. An advanced vaccination strategy is already deployed in affected areas to rapidly increase coverage. A larger national campaign is also planned for October.
According to the Director General of Preventive Medicine at the Ministry of Public Health, vaccinated children are protected against severe forms of measles, while unvaccinated children are more exposed to complications that can lead to death. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a skin rash. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease and its severe forms.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-06 13:24:05 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://2424.mg/sante-publique-une-campagne-de-vaccination-avancee-lancee-a-antsirabe-ii-alors-que-six-enfants-y-decedent-de-la-rougeole/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sante-publique-une-campagne-de-vaccination-avancee-lancee-a-antsirabe-ii-alors-que-six-enfants-y-decedent-de-la-rougeole