The first cases of cholera in Madagascar
occurred in late March 1999 in Mahajanga Province. Two other provinces,
Antananarivo and Antsiranana, were affected later in the year. By the end
of November, 6 983 cases with 433 deaths were recorded with the majority
occurring in Mahajanga Province. In January, cholera was reported from
a fourth province, Toliary, where the first case was confirmed on 11 January
in Morondava District.
The rainy season started in early December
and 3 176 cases with 121 deaths have been recorded since then up to 10
January. It is likely that a higher attack rate will occur up to the end
of the the rainy season which continues until March/April.
The Ministry of Health is continuing to take appropriate control measures.
=A9 WHO/OMS, 1998