Madagascar: Five dead from plague Sep. 15

Event

Authorities announced on Friday, September 15, that at least five people have died from bubonic plague in Madagascar in the past week. Local reports said the deaths have caused panic among parts of the population and have pushed many residents to buy anti-plague medication preemptively and without prescription. However, authorities announced that the epidemic is under control and over 250 people have been treated for the disease as of Friday.

Context

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Madagascar is the most affected country by this disease. Recent wildfires have facilitated the spread of plague due to the fact that rats, carriers of the disease, leave the forest to take refuge in houses. General unhygienic conditions and the lack of hospitals also help spread the disease, worsening the ongoing outbreak.

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 insect bites (use insect repellents, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, etc.), to maintain strict standards of sanitation (cleanliness to discourage presence of rodents, elimination of rodent habitats outdoors – e.g. brush, rock piles, pet food, etc.), and use flea control products on all pets.