The plague outbreak in Madagascar has infected approximately 114 people according to the Toronto Sun, but the World Health Organisation says the risk of infection for international travellers is low. WHO also advised that travellers should also consider taking antimalarial prophylaxis when travelling to Madagascar and has advised against any trade or travel restrictions to the country.
Madagascar experiences an outbreak of bubonic plague, which is endemic to the country, nearly every year between September and April, according to the WHO. This year, the pneumonic plague has also spread. The outbreak is also generally in more rural areas and villages, however recently the pneumonic plague has also spread into more populated, urban areas. The pneumonic plague is more lethal as it infects the lungs and can be fatal if not treated within 24 hours.
In a televised address on Saturday, Prime Minister Olivier Mahafaly Solonandrasana said public meetings or demonstrations would not be allowed in the capital Antananarivo, which has seen six deaths in recent days, according to News24. This includes the postponement of a jazz festival, Madajazzcar.
Travellers should go to the closest health centre if they are concerned about their health or experience any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden fever or chills
- Painful and inflamed lymph nodes
- Shortness of breath, coughing blood or blood-stained sputum.
Antibiotics should not be taken unless advised to do so by doctors.
