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An outbreak of bubonic plague has been reported by the media in a village close to the northwestern town of Mandritsara in Madagascar. Around 20 villagers died as a result of the infection last week. The Pasteur Institute of Madagascar confirmed on 10 December 2013, that samples taken from the deceased tested positive for Yersinia pestis bacillus; the organism responsible for bubonic plague.
In 2012, Madagascar had 60 deaths from plague, the world's highest recorded number. Around 200 cases are reported annually in Madagascar, accouning for 45% of all cases of plague in Africa.
Advice for Travellers
Plague is an infection of wild rodents and is transmitted by fleas to other animals and humans. The risk to travellers is generally low however, travel to plague endemic areas may be a risk, particularly if camping, hunting or having contact with rodents
In plague endemic areas contact with rodents should be discouraged. Travellers to these areas should be advised on how to store and dispose of food produce to prevent attraction to rodents. Avoidance of flea bites must be advised by use of repellents and insecticides. Travellers should also be discouraged from camping and handling rodents both dead or alive.
