A distress call was posted on social media. Hajanirina Dinah Manantena, the elected deputy for Ifanadiana, reported a serious epidemic causing the deaths of several children in the rural commune of Ampasinambo. The Ministry of Public Health has acknowledged the alert, announcing about twenty deaths across two communes in the district. In addition to medical supplies, teams have been deployed to the site to conduct investigations and response activities.
The rural communes of Ampasinambo and Fasitsara, in the Ifanadiana district, have recorded about twenty deaths in a few days. In Ampasinambo, four deaths were reported this week, including three children from the same family. According to a source from the Ministry of Public Health, the victims were not vaccinated. Symptoms observed include fever, red eyes, and skin rashes. Our source suggests measles as the cause, though investigations are ongoing.
Beyond the delivery of medication, a team has been dispatched to the area to actively search for sick individuals and ensure their care. Response activities include measles vaccination and the distribution of Vitamin A.
In the commune of Fasitsara, specifically in the Ambinanisery fokontany, the initial alert from local authorities reported 40 deaths in August. After field verification and consultation of community registers, 18 deaths were confirmed, 61% of which involved children under 15. The victims died after experiencing fever, diarrhea, abdominal issues, and skin rashes.
“A team is on the ground to determine whether this is an outbreak of malaria or measles, and to provide care for the sick,” the Ministry of Public Health source stated. As a response, mobilized teams are carrying out vaccinations and distributing Vitamin A. Investigations continue to precisely determine the origin of this health crisis and adapt the response accordingly.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-16 20:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/epidemie-une-vingtaine-de-deces-enregistres-dans-deux-communes-rurales-difanadiana-les-investigations-et-ripostes-senchainent/