Main health risks for Madagascar

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria is present in the country and hyperendemic on the eastern coast. Urban malaria is rare for expatriates but common for locals. Strains are mildly resistant to chloroquine (zone 2).

On the Nosy Be island and the east coast, transmission is continuous. South of the Morondava/Fort-Dauphin line, transmission is seasonal and occurs mainly during the rain season (from December to March). In the north and the northwest of the island, the transmission period is longer (October to May).

Above 1200 meters, the transmission is heterogeneous from November to April.

Numerous cases of fever, evocating the symptons of dengue fever, are currently observed on the north-east coast, particularly in Antalaha and Sambava. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms are fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, nausea and, in severe cases, hemorrhagic manifestations.

Plague is endemic in Madagascar, with cases usually located in the Central Highlands area. On March 15th, health officials confirmed that three people have been killed by plague in Antananarivo. Meanwhile, on February 24th, 15 deaths due to pneumonic plague were reported near Amilobe. Authorities recorded 45 cases of plague nationwide since the beginning of 2011.

On February 25th, 2010, health officials reported a chikungunya outbreak. The disease is spreading quickly in the southeastern part of the country. Cases were also reported in the capital city. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms are fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea; in severe cases, the pain associated with the infection of the joints persists for weeks or months.

Animal rabies is endemic in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheal diseases are very frequent among travelers who do not take precautions. The last outbreak of cholera occurred in 1999, but other cases can appear at any time.

Typhoid fever is endemic on the island.

There are numerous cases of cysticercosis in Madagascar. Cysticercosis, which is a frequent parasitic infection, affects the central nervous system. It is transmitted to human by the ingestion of contaminated water or by eating undercook pork meat.

Hepatitis A is frequent in Madagascar. The disease is transmitted by the ingestion of contaminated food or drinks. Hepatitis A is an acute liver disease.

Due to the risk of schistosomiasis and other parasitic infestations, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers.) and should not walk bare-foot.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.