Plague latest: Death toll in Madagascar hits 195 as worst outbreak in 50 years rages on
THE DEADLY plague outbreak in Madagascar has claimed the lives of 195 people as the number of cases of the medieval disease continues to rise.
By WILL KIRBY
Express.co.uk
Wed, Nov 22, 2017
Some 2,267 cases of the plague have been reported since the beginning of August, with more than three-quarters of these classified as the pneumonic form of the disease.
Another 327 of the reported cases have been classified as the bubonic form, which is spread by rats and vermin.
Meanwhile, 81 healthcare workers have had illness compatible with the plague but, fortunately, none have died.
The latest World Health Organisation (WHO) update reveals the outbreak appears to be subsiding, with only six people hospitalised for plague as of November 17.
However, speaking today at a Special Session of the WHO executive board, director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health workers are still alert and prepared for any new outbreaks.
He said: “In one month, we were able to bring plague in Madagascar under control.
“Although because the transmission season continues until April, we must beef up surveillance.”
Madagascar reports cases of the plague every year but this year’s outbreak has been particularly deadly.
Dr Tim Jagatic, a doctor with Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), told Express.co.uk about the cause of this year’s shocking outbreak.
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