Fitzgerald mentioned a few days or weeks ago about Madagascar experiencing the plague every year. I remember being like, "What?! The plague?" and I found myself stuck on what I should write about today. So, what better topic to share with you guys!
The information I am writing on is drawn from the NY Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/06/health/madagascar-plague.html
So yes, the plague as in the bubonic plague...AKA the black death. Madagascar is used to it and experiences an controlled outbreak September and April, "...typically about 400 cases, but they are usually focused in the nation's central highlands and spread by fleas living on rats in rice-growing areas" (NY Times). But, this usually a pneumonia plague--not bubonic. Keep in mind, the pneumonia plague spreads much faster than the bubonic plague, however the bubonic plague infects the lymph nodes.
Well, what's the cause for concern if they are used to it?
New York times reports that a 31-year old taxi driver thought he had malaria and he kept driving, but eventually he succumbed to the plague while en route. Those passengers riding in his car were infected too. The government and WHO were concerned because they could not pinpoint what was infecting and killing Madagascar's people. They ended up taking blood tests of a 47 year old woman who also succumbed to the plague and the tests were positive for the plague.
Here's some good news and not so good news, usually, common antibiotics can cure the plague but a antibiotic resistant strain of the plague is in Madagascar. This year in Madagascar, "Since August, the country has reported over 200 infections and 33 deaths." However, the World Health Organization has thus far sent 1.2 million antibiotics.
My hearts and prayers go to Madagascar.
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