A healthcare worker caring for an Mpox patient. The death toll from the Mpox epidemic continues to rise. Two deaths linked to the outbreak were recorded last weekend, according to an epidemiological update released yesterday by the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (Cousp). "A 12-day-old infant who tested positive died in the Analamanga region. Another vulnerable person died in the Anosy region," reported Professor Jean de Dieu Mamy Randria, incident manager at Cousp. The Mpox epidemic has claimed fourteen lives since its onset. Children and people living with HIV/AIDS remain the hardest hit. From December 2025 to June 27, 2026, the outbreak has resulted in 3,817 reported cases, of which 2,408 have been officially confirmed. There are now 1,721 recoveries. The disease continues to spread across the territory, affecting a total of 69 districts. The disease remains active in 36 districts. On the ground, authorities and health professionals face an invisible but formidable enemy: disbelief. "The disease is very real. The problem is that as long as people refuse to believe in it, they don't protect themselves," lamented Professor Jean de Dieu Mamy Randria. In a video posted on the Public Health Ministry's Facebook page, several patients testify to remind the public that the disease is real. Respiratory Difficulties One patient recounts that his initial symptoms—fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes—persisted despite treatment from his doctor. Only when skin rashes appeared on his face did he decide to go to the Andohatapenaka treatment and isolation center. Another victim explains that he contracted the virus in public transportation. In the same video, a patient suffering from severe respiratory difficulties can be seen. Miangaly Ralitera