Pneumonic plague is an endemic form of plague that only occurs in Madagascar. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that seven people have died so far on this island in the Indian Ocean – all within the city of Miandandra.
An epidemic of this disease affects Madagascar every year, but the last serious outbreak was in 2017, when 209 people died. Plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected flea. Microorganisms die under the influence of sunlight and drought.
If infected, to reduce the risk of death, take the antibiotic within 24 hours of the first symptoms resembling pneumonia. However, as the entry points out, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plague is so rare worldwide that there is no need to vaccinate others, other than those who are directly exposed to it.
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