Plague Cases Reported in Madagascar

Local media in Madagascar recently confirmed a third potential case of the Pneumonic Plague in Ambositra. 

L'Express reported on March 23, 2023, a 24-year-old man died in the regional referral hospital. The deceased's 11-year-old sister is also suspected of being infected.

This farmer would be the third recent victim of the plague.

Large outbreaks of plague occurred in Madagascar in 2014 and 2017.

The U.S. CDC says the plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is found in rodents and their fleas.

Pneumonic plague occurs when Y. pestis infects the lungs and can spread from person to person through the air. 

Various types of plague vaccines have been used since the late 19th century.

A study published in 2022 indicates that immunization with a powder formulation of rF1-V10 vaccines may be a promising vaccination strategy for providing protective immunity against pneumonic plague.

Previously, the CDC updated its travel vaccine webpage for Madagascar, suggesting several pre-trip vaccinations, including for polio.

In 2020, about 17% of all people arriving in Madagascar were from France. Italy, Reunion, Germany, and Mauritius reports Statista.