WHO: Bubonic Plague Alert Issued for 9 Countries

The World Health Organization is warning that the most deadly form of the bubonic plague is making a comeback in 9 different countries:

Speaking from Madagascar, Christine South, head of IFRC’s emergency operations, said: “With anything like this there is a possibility that somebody could be infected and get on a plane.

“We have done preparedness support to some of the neighbouring countries.”

However, she added that she believed the plague outbreak may now be stabilising but medical staff would have a clearer understanding of this over the next few days.

The nine countries the WHO has warned of being at risk are:

• Kenya
• Ethiopia
• South Africa
• Mozambique
• Tanzania
• Reunion
• Mauritius
• Seychelles
• Comoros

The World Health Organization doesn’t appear to be too worried at this point in time about the plague spreading. But, maybe they are just trying to help people not get so worried they paralyze in fear. As they also admit in the same breath that the plaque is epidemic in areas and the risk of spreading a real concern.

The disease remains endemic in rural parts of the African island but the rise in the pneumonic version of the illness has sparked particular concern.

The World Health Organisation said that this year, plague arrived earlier than expected, and the infection is also spreading in urban centres and in areas that until now had not been affected.

 “The risk of regional spread is moderate due to the occurrence of frequent travel by air and sea to neighbouring Indian Ocean islands and other southern and east African countries.”

What do you think? Is this epidemic likely to predominantly affect Africa and other 3rd world countries or something poised to target Western nations as well?

Turn to the final page to read the warning issues by medical experts:

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