Strengthened measures for incoming passengers

Health vigilance has been heightened at borders and airports. Passengers arriving from Mpox-affected countries will be closely monitored.

The last to leave the airport terminal were passengers from countries where Mpox is circulating, who arrived yesterday afternoon at Ivato International Airport on flight ET 853 from Addis Ababa. Each passenger was screened by health authorities in their departure city. Individuals coming from countries that have reported cases were selected to record their personal information in an individual medical information sheet.

These individuals will be contacted by healthcare professionals to monitor their physical condition. In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, actions are being taken to prevent the spread of Mpox. These preventive measures are similar to those implemented during cholera outbreaks, which have not yet appeared in Madagascar. They include taking medication if necessary and enforcing physical distancing. Health checks will be conducted for twenty-one days following arrival, corresponding to Mpox’s incubation period.

Vigilance has increased at Madagascar’s entry points, but some measures are not always fully implemented. According to the ministry, there are currently no detected cases of Mpox in Madagascar. However, the disease could likely spread within the country. In 2019-2020, COVID-19 managed to spread despite very stringent border control measures. Health authorities must anticipate this possibility and begin preparing now by developing an effective strategy to combat this transmissible disease if it becomes present. This new strain of Mpox, more deadly and contagious, along with the presence of the disease in several neighboring countries, is described by the ministry as a « worrying » situation.