Madagascar Closes Borders with Comoros Amid Cholera Outbreak

Madagascar has decided to close its borders with the Comoros in response to a sharp rise in cholera cases in the island nation and the ongoing outbreak in East Africa.

This move, announced by Madagascar's government on Sunday, comes as health authorities closely monitor the situation in neighboring countries.

According to a statement from Madagascar’s Cabinet, the decision was made after an evaluation of the public health risks, to protect the country from the spread of the cholera epidemic.

Citizens of the Comoros will not be allowed entry into Madagascar until further notice, as the disease continues to impact the region.

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Transport in Madagascar have recommended suspending all maritime transport from the Comoros until the outbreak is under control.

The restrictions have taken effect immediately at the major coastal entry point of Mahajanga, where travelers from the Comoros typically arrive by sea.

Reports from the maritime and water agency indicate that three vessels are currently en route to Madagascar, with passengers from these ships being placed under quarantine upon arrival.

For sea transport, only ships carrying essential cargo are allowed to dock, although crew members are prohibited from disembarking.

On the air travel front, all passengers arriving from cholera-affected regions must take preventive medication upon landing.

This decision follows a temporary suspension of maritime transport between Madagascar and Comoros earlier this year when cholera claimed 147 lives and affected over 10,000 people in Comoros.

The suspension, which began in February, had already severely impacted the economy in Madagascar’s northwestern regions.

Although the Comoros resumed sea transport with Madagascar in September, strict preventive measures, including the administration of cholera vaccines and medicines to incoming travelers, have remained in place.