SA warned to be on high alert for ‘black death’ plague
SA warned to be on high alert for ‘black death’ plague NATIONAL NEWS Nation Nyoka – News 24 JOHANNESBURG. – South Africa is one of nine countries which have been warned by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be on high alert for the “black death” plague. The other eight countries at risk include the Comoros, …
NATIONAL NEWS
Nation Nyoka – News 24
JOHANNESBURG. – South Africa is one of nine countries which have been warned by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be on high alert for the “black death” plague.
‘High mortality’
Antibiotics can be used to treat it upon early detection.
“Historically, the plague was responsible for widespread pandemics with high mortality. 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 acquiring infection,” the report stated.
READ: Madagascar plague deaths hit 94, 1 100 suspected cases: WHO
Madagascar was reportedly hit with the black death in September, and health authorities are concerned because it has affected urban areas, increasing the risk of transmission and spread, according to the WHO.
“Some of the 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.
Symptoms
Symptoms include sudden fevers, 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 of the plague is the bubonic plague, causing “inflamed lymph nodes, which can then turn to puss-filled, open sores if the condition worsens”, the report read.
This can then develop into the pneumonic plague if the infection spreads to the lungs. From 2010 to 2015, there were 3 248 cases reported worldwide, including 584 deaths.
“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,” the report stated further.
SAA, which flies to Madagascar, and health department spokesperson Popo Maja, were not available for comment.