Plague raging in Madagascar

Plague broke out in Madagascar from the end of August to now, causing more than 385 people to get sick and at least 45 people died.

Bubonic plague has not completely disappeared but can still return to make human life in danger. In Madagascar, officials are struggling to prevent the outbreak of plague from the end of August, causing more than 385 people and at least 45 deaths. In particular, most patients have pneumonic plague so bacteria can be transmitted through the air when coughing and 100% death if left untreated.

Health workers wear masks for children in Madagascar.(Photo: AP).

According to AP, the plague in Madagascar started after a 31-year-old man became ill and died on public transport. Due to contact with this person, two other cases also died. In September, a Seychelles basketball coach to Madagascar to attend the tournament was infected with plague and did not survive.

In response to the plague, the Madagascar Red Cross mobilized 700 volunteers to propagate prevention measures as well as to monitor those at high risk.

Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) provided 1.2 million antibiotic doses with 1.5 million USD to Madagascar. At the same time, the government issued a ban on gatherings in the capital, disinfection of classrooms, distribution of masks and temporary suspension of prison visits in areas heavily affected by the epidemic.

Typically, Madagascar records about 400 plague cases every year, mostly appearing from September to April. This year, the outbreak broke out earlier and was present in major cities . "This is just the beginning," a WHO official warned.