ANTANANARIVO, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Madagascar reported its first death related to mpox since the disease was detected in the country last December, according to a report published Monday by the Malagasy Ministry of Public Health.
The ministry's spokesperson Mamy Randria confirmed that the deceased was a three-year-old child who had been hospitalized in critical condition, with her health worsening due to complications.
According to the report, as of March 1, there are a total of 457 confirmed cases in the country.
Health services continue to monitor and manage cases to contain the spread of the disease. The ministry indicated that the vaccination against mpox would begin soon, targeting primarily healthcare workers, close contacts of patients, people living with HIV, and transport workers.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, was first detected in laboratory monkeys in 1958. It is a rare viral disease typically transmitted through body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. The infection often causes fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. ■
