The toll from the Mpox epidemic is rising, with ten deaths now recorded since the virus first appeared in Madagascar last December.
Two new deaths linked to Mpox were recorded on June 18. “These include a 22-year-old woman residing in Antalaha and a 36-year-old man in Mahajanga,” stated Professor Diavolana Köcher Andrianarimanana from the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COUSP) during yesterday’s epidemiological situation briefing.
These two new fatalities bring the total number of victims in the country to ten. The victims 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, a 20-year-old young man at the Andohatapenaka University Hospital, a 22-year-old woman in Antalaha, and a 36-year-old man in Mahajanga.
In the span of one week, the epidemic has claimed three lives, illustrating the persistent circulation of the virus. Furthermore, the latest report from June 18 indicates 27 new cases notified, 22 of which were confirmed after testing, along with 13 patients declared recovered.
Active Transmission
Data from the national COUSP indicates a cumulative total of 405 positive cases distributed across 36 active districts over the past four weeks. Since the beginning of the epidemic, Madagascar has registered a total of 3,532 reported cases, including 2,182 biologically confirmed cases and 1,617 recoveries.
According to Professor Diavolana Köcher Andrianarimanana, spokesperson for the ministry in charge of Mpox, the disease remains active and continues to spread throughout the country. She emphasized the importance of rapid care for symptomatic cases to prevent severe complications.
“Individuals exhibiting symptoms are strongly encouraged to visit a health center promptly, as Mpox can be fatal when not treated in time,” she stressed.
She also advises patients to strictly follow medical instructions and to avoid premature discharge from care facilities. Vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, children, people living with HIV, diabetics, and patients with chronic illnesses, are urged to exercise extra vigilance.
Health authorities are actively encouraging the population to get vaccinated, reiterating that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect oneself and curb the transmission of the virus.
By Mialisoa Ida
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-20 06:00:41 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/epidemie-les-autorites-sanitaires.html