Madagascar confirms four plague cases

Madagascar's Ministry of Public Health on Tuesday confirmed four cases of plague, with five additional suspected cases reported across the country.

An official statement said the confirmed cases were detected in Ankazobe, Anjozorobe and Ambohimanarisoa, north of the capital, Antananarivo.

The suspected cases were reported in Midongy Atsimo District in the southeast.

The ministry said 200 people who had come into contact with the patients were under close medical monitoring and had received preventive treatment.

The cases come amid a seasonal rise in plague activity that began in late July.

Health authorities have stepped up surveillance, contact tracing and insecticide spraying to control fleas in affected areas and nearby communities.

The ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant and follow recommended plague prevention measures.