2014 Madagascar plague outbreak

2014 Madagascar Plague Outbreak

The 2014 Madagascar plague outbreak was a significant epidemic of the bubonic plague that occurred in Madagascar. The outbreak began in August 2014 and continued into 2015, resulting in numerous cases and fatalities.

Background

The bubonic plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected flea that has fed on an infected rodent. Madagascar has a history of plague outbreaks, with the disease being endemic in certain regions of the country.

Timeline

The outbreak was first reported in August 2014. By November 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) had been notified of the outbreak, which had resulted in several deaths. The outbreak primarily affected rural areas, but cases were also reported in the capital city, Antananarivo.

Response

The Madagascar Ministry of Health and international organizations, including the World Health Organization, responded to the outbreak by implementing measures to control the spread of the disease. These measures included the distribution of antibiotics, public health education campaigns, and efforts to control the flea and rodent populations.

Impact

The outbreak had a significant impact on the affected communities, with numerous cases and fatalities reported. The spread of the disease to urban areas raised concerns about the potential for a larger epidemic.

See Also

• Bubonic plague
• Yersinia pestis
• Epidemic
• World Health Organization
• Antananarivo
• Madagascar

Related Pages

• Plague
• Infectious disease
• Public health
• Epidemiology
• Rodent