WHO warns South Africa of "black death" plague threat

27 Octobre 2017

Cape Town, South Africa, October  (Infosplusgabon) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that South Africa is at high risk of the “black death” plague.

The organisation said South Africa’s travel and trade links with the island nation of Madagascar, where the outbreak has left at least 124 people dead since September, put it at risk. There are daily flights between South Africa and Madagascar.

Eight other countries – the Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, La Réunion, the Seychelles, and Tanzania – have also been flagged as high risk countries.

The plague which originated in the 14th century caused more than 50 million deaths in Europe. Today it is easily treated with antibiotics and the use of standard precautions to prevent acquiring infection.

Symptoms include sudden fevers, head and body aches, vomiting and nausea. There are two main clinical forms of infection: bubonic and pneumonic.

“Effective risk communication, social mobilisation and community engagement are critical. In addition, preparedness and readiness in neighbouring regions and countries, including at the points of entry, should be enhanced,” WHO said in its report.

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/AER/ GABON 2017

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