Madagascar is currently facing a plague epidemic and according to authorities, it has already killed 25 people. The government is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to tackle the issue efficiently. It has in this framework suspended all manifestations and gatherings in Antananarivo, the capital city. 

Despite the fact that Madagascar has been battling the disease every year, for the past 35 years, this time, things look different. “Unlike in the past, the epidemic is affecting major urban areas, and this increases the risk of transmission,” the WHO declared.

Some authorities are now trying to minimize the situation while Europe 1 said air-filtering masks are in shortage in Antananarivo’s pharmacies. Amongst these, the minister of tourism, Roland Ratsiraka, who called the threat a "small issue", according to L’express de Madagascar.

The official who heads this sector, which is quite critical for the Malagasy economy, estimated that embassies should not yet discourage their citizens from visiting Madagascar. He however instructed hotels and related infrastructures to proceed to de-ratting and reinforce their hygienic measures.

Aaron Akinocho