Disease

Plague Spreads in Madagascar Following Cyclones

One of the most deadly infectious diseases on the planet has spread across parts of Madagascar in the wake of last month’s cyclones Chedza and Bansi.

Plague has killed at least 57 people out of the 213 known cases after rats that carry the disease emerged from the storm’s flooding and took refuge in populated areas.

The bacterial disease is passed on to humans by fleas that earlier bit an infected rodent.

Once infected, people can die from the bubonic and other forms of plague within 24 hours if not treated.

The Madagascar government says it is organizing a response to the epidemic, including free treatment with antibiotics.

Officials warn that the species of flea that carries the plague across the island nation has developed an immunity to the insecticide used to control it.