In a follow-up on the measles outbreak in Madagascar, local media reports (computer translated) the outbreak case total has risen to 15,049 cases since Oct. 1.
About 65% of these cases were reported in the Analamanga region. 48 districts in Madagascar are affected by the measles epidemic during the last three months, six of which recorded more than 400 cases.
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The district of Antananarivo Renivohitra has the highest number of cases with 8869 patients, followed by that of Ambato Boeny with 947 cases; Marovoay with 693 cases; Mahajanga I with 518 cases; Ambohidratrimo with 466 cases and Antananarivo Atsimondrano, 412 cases.
How contagious is measles? Answer: Very
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. People first develop a fever, then may have a cough, runny nose and watery eyes, followed by appearance of a rash. People are considered infectious from four days before to four days after the appearance of the rash.