The Ebola epidemic is spreading across Africa, and Madagascar is taking measures to protect itself. The Ministry of Public Health is on high alert due to the progression of Ebola in Africa, particularly following the detection of cases in Kenya. “The danger is imminent, given the flights that connect Madagascar directly to that country five times a week,” a source from the Ministry of Public Health stated on Saturday.
The ministry has reinforced its staff at Ivato International Airport to monitor the health status of every passenger arriving from Nairobi and requires them to complete a health form. “We have strengthened our border surveillance teams at Ivato Airport to ensure that care upon arrival is not delayed,” the source added.
Unlike travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the current epicenter of the epidemic, those arriving from Kenya are not placed in a 21-day quarantine. “We do not have the infrastructure to accommodate the 500 to 600 passengers who arrive each week on this flight,” the source explained. However, these passengers are under surveillance. “We call them frequently to check on the evolution of their health,” the source continued.
As of this weekend, Madagascar has recorded no cases of Ebola, according to the Ministry of Public Health. “There was one passenger from Kenya who presented with diarrhea (an Ebola symptom), but after analyzing the sample, the suspicion was ruled out,” a ministry official clarified.
Madagascar is holding its breath, as the arrival of the disease could be dangerous. “Materially, we are not sufficiently prepared. We do not have enough personal protective equipment, and the infrastructure where we would house patients is not yet fully ready,” officials admitted. Facing Ebola, healthcare workers must wear highly protective gear that leaves no skin exposed. Recommendations include two pairs of gloves, a waterproof and airtight suit, a respirator, and a face shield or goggles. There are no plans to place patients in standard hospitals to avoid the disease spreading to other patients. Ministry officials emphasize that Ebola is not comparable to Covid-19; given the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ebola spreads rapidly and is highly lethal.
For health professionals, preventing the arrival of Ebola in Madagascar remains an absolute priority. Last week, the Ministry of Public Health consulted the National Academy of Medicine of Madagascar to gather its scientific opinion on the epidemic. A decision regarding Ebola is expected to be made this week.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-26 05:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/fievre-debola-les-voyageurs-en.html