‘Black death’ plague heads for SA

SA is one of nine countries warned by the World Health Organisation to be on high alert for the ‘black death’ plague.

South Africa is one of nine countries that have been warned by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be on high alert for the “black death” plague.

The other eight at risk are the Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, France’s La Réunion island, the Seychelles and Tanzania.

An update on the outbreak in a WHO report stated that South Africa’s travel and trade links with Madagascar, where the outbreak has already killed 124 people and infected 1 133, had put its residents at risk.

The overall risk of the plague is very high and, depending on the type of plague, there is a 30% to 100% chance of death within 72 hours if it is left untreated, the WHO said.

Antibiotics can be used to treat it if there is early detection.

“Historically, the plague was responsible for widespread pandemics with high mortality,” the report stated.

“It was known as the ‘black death’ during the fourteenth century, causing more than 50 million deaths in Europe.

“Nowadays, the plague is easily treated with antibiotics and the use of standard precautions to prevent infection,” read the report.

Madagascar was reportedly hit by the “black death” plague in September, and health authorities are concerned as it has affected urban areas, increasing the risk of transmission and spread, according to the WHO.

“Some neighbouring countries, namely Comoros, Mauritius and South Africa, have put in place measures to protect their population, including entry screening, information provision to passengers on how to seek medical care in case of symptoms, and other preparedness measures,” the report stated.

The symptoms include sudden fever, head and body aches, vomiting and nausea. There are two main clinical forms of infection: bubonic and pneumonic, according to a WHO fact sheet.

The bubonic plague is transmitted to humans by infected fleas. The most common, but less dangerous form is bubonic plague, which causes “inflamed lymph nodes which can then turn to puss-filled, open sores if the condition worsens”, the report read.

This can develop into pneumonic plague if the infection spreads to the lungs.

From 2010 to 2015, there were 3 248 cases reported worldwide and 584 deaths.

“Effective risk communication, social mobilisation and community engagement are critical. Preparedness and readiness in neighbouring regions and countries, including at the points of entry, should be enhanced,” the report added.