06 Oct 2017 | 09:53 AM UTC
Madagascar: Further preventive measures against plague Oct. 2 /update 3
Authorities delay start of school year on October 2 for three days in Antananarivo to disinfect facilities to prevent plague outbreak from spreading; 25 deaths since late July
Event
On Monday, October 2, authorities announced that preventive measures, e.g. disinfection and extermination, are being conducted in schools throughout the capital city of Antananarivo to contain the spread of the bubonic plague outbreak that has affected the island nation since late July. Children were scheduled to go back to school on Monday, but will have to wait until Thursday, October 5, to start the new school year. According to the Public Health Ministry, at least 25 people have died, including five in the capital, since the outbreak started with 141 cases confirmed across 17 districts of the country. The number of cases is likely to increase in the coming weeks as epidemic season begins. Madagascar’s government, along with the World Health Organization (WHO), have launched disinfection campaigns throughout the country and announced that measures would be taken in airports and train stations to contain the disease.
Context
On Saturday, September 30, authorities announced a temporary ban on all gatherings and public meetings in Antananarivo in order to contain the spread of the outbreak. According to the WHO, Madagascar is the country most-affected 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 forested areas to take refuge in houses. General unhygienic conditions and the lack of hospitals also help 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.
