Madagascar: Schools to be closed this week in Antananarivo and other cities /update 5

Event

On Friday, October 6, authorities ordered the closure of all schools and universities from October 8 to October 15 in Antananarivo, Toamasina, Majunga and Fenerive-Est to avoid the spread of the current plague outbreak. According to a 2014 count by the National Institute of Statistics in Madagascar, Antananarivo has about 1.3 million residents, while Toamasina has about 237,000. On October 7, Madagascar's Ministry of Health stated that 343 plague cases have been reported countrywide over the past two months; 42 people died from this disease over the same period of time.

Meanwhile, Air Seychelles has suspended all of its flights between Madagascar and the Seychelles from Sunday, October 8 as a result of concerns over the ongoing plague outbreak. For the World Health Organization (WHO) "to date, the risk of international spread of plague appears very low. WHO advises against any restriction on travel or trade on Madagascar based on the available information".

Context

Madagascar's government, along with the WHO, has launched disinfection campaigns throughout the country. Authorities have also put in place health warnings at entrances to the capital in an attempt to minimize the spread of the disease. On September 30, authorities announced a temporary ban on all gatherings and public meetings in Antananarivo in order to contain the spread of the plague outbreak. Disinfection measures have also been taken in airports, train stations, and schools. Despite ongoing efforts, the number of cases of infection is likely to increase in coming weeks.

According to the WHO, Madagascar is the country most-affected in the world by the plague, with an average of 400 cases per year. Recent wildfires have facilitated the spread of plague due to the fact that rats, carriers of the disease, have fled affected areas to take refuge in houses. General unhygienic conditions and the lack of hospitals also facilitate the spread the disease.

Bubonic plague typically affects rodents and is most often transmitted from rodents to other animals and humans via flea bites. Without prompt and effective treatment, 50-60 percent of bubonic plague cases are fatal.

Advice

Individuals in Madagascar are advised to take measures to protect themselves from flea bites (use insect repellent, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, etc.), maintain strict hygienic standards (cleanliness to discourage presence of rodents, elimination of possible rodent habitats outdoors - e.g. brush, rock piles, pet food, etc.), and use flea control products on all pets.