Pneumonic plague has been detected in several cities in Madagascar, WHO reports. This form of plague is highly transmissible (person-to-person) and quickly causes death without treatment. At least 19 people have died since August 27. WHO is concerned that the outbreak may spread because it is already present in several cities and this is just the start of the plague epidemic season, which usually runs from September to April. Plague is endemic to Madagascar but contrary to past outbreaks, this one affects
large urban areas, including the capital and port cities. The overall risk of further spread at the national level is high, at the regional level is moderate due to frequent flights to neighboring Indian Ocean islands, and at the global level is perceived to be low. The outbreak is affecting the densely populated cities in Madagascar that include capital Antananarivo/Analamanga with 3 724 021 inhabitants, Tamatave/Atsinanana with 1 412 021 inhabitants, Majunga/Boeny with 889 277 inhabitants, and Finanrantsoa/Haut Matsuartra with 1 333 550 inhabitants. READ MORE
