A new death linked to Mpox was recorded on June 17 at the Andohatapenaka University Hospital (CHU). This death brings the total number of fatalities to eight since the beginning of the epidemic in December 2025. During the presentation of the epidemiological situation on June 17, Professor Köcher Diavolana Andrianarimanana, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health and representative of the National Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COUSP), confirmed that the victim was a 20-year-old man. On that same day, health authorities also recorded thirty-three new confirmed cases and forty-two reported cases.
This latest death brings the total number of victims recorded in the country to eight. These include a newborn in Mahajanga, a three-year-old girl in Antananarivo, a man in his fifties in Ambanja, a patient living with HIV/AIDS in Mahajanga, a 22-year-old man in the Analamanga region, a 38-year-old woman in the Diana region, a 39-year-old woman in Toliara, and the 20-year-old man at the Andohatapenaka CHU.
Protection
Between December 18, 2025, and June 17, 2026, Madagascar reported a total of 3,505 notified cases of Mpox. Among these, 2,161 cases were confirmed, while 3,057 samples were tested, representing a positivity rate of 71% (2,161 / 3,057).
Regarding clinical progress, 1,604 patients have been declared cured, while the country now reports eight deaths linked to the disease during the period in question.
Professor Köcher Diavolana Andrianarimanana calls for the strengthening of all protective measures against this potentially fatal disease. She specifically reiterated that essential preventive actions include regular hand washing with clean water and soap, as well as the use of hand sanitizer. She also emphasized the need to avoid contact with people exhibiting symptoms or skin lesions, particularly as festive periods approach.
Finally, healthcare professionals underscore that transmission can also occur during sexual contact with an infected person, highlighting the importance of increased vigilance and responsible behavior.
Mialisoa Ida
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-19 10:30:02 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/andohatapenaka-un-vingtenaire-succombe.html