Travellers visiting Madagascar are being warned to take extra precaution to minimise the risk of the “black death” plague that Madagascar is currently experiencing. This outbreak is categorised as the worst plague in the area in 50 years.
There are over 1300 cases reported since the start of the outbreak, and The World Health Organisation has indicated that two-thirds of the diagnosed parties were suspected to be pneumonic as well. This factor makes it one of the most rapid and deadliest forms of plagues.
South Africa’s National Institute of Communicable Diseases Deputy Director, Professor Lucille Blumberg, advised that intervention and plague control seems to be working. To avoid this plague from spreading they have put some precaution measurements in place, which includes screening travellers that exit the country at Madagascar airport.
Currently, there have been no cases in South Africa, but traveller screenings are in place to reduce the risk of the plague entering the country. Together with the exit screening in Madagascar, South Africa has an entry screening where they take the temperatures of those travellers coming from Madagascar.
This Pneumonic plague can spread as quickly as someone coughing and patients that contract the virus can die within 24 hours. This disease is a regular sight in Madagascar, but the current situation has caused panic due to the speed that it is spreading and the number of fatalities
This outbreak is bound to cause alarm amongst holidaymakers or those intending to go to Madagascar. The World Health Organisation advises that there is a low risk of travellers going to the Seychelles to contract the virus. However, the Seychelles have put some precautionary measures in place by banning travellers from Madagascar until the situation is under control.
Travellers are advised to consult their travel agents for more clarity on the matter. The World Health Organisation requires adequate information provided to travellers who make their way to Madagascar and the risks paired with their travels.
Madagascar will feel the pressure on their tourism industry. However, if they play their cards right and take the right precaution and safety measurements according to The World Health Organisation, they should be able to recover their losses.
