Surge of typhoid intestinal perforations as possible result of COVID-19-associated delays in seeking care, Madagascar

Abstract

During the coronavirus disease pandemic, we observed a 6.4-fold increase in typhoid intestinal perforation incidence in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Thirteen perforations and occurred within 6 months (February 2020-July 2020) compared with 13 perforations during the previous 41 months (August 2016-January 2020). The increase may be attributable to delayed healthcare seeking during the pandemic.