SA at Risk of Black Death
The World Health Organisation has warned nine African countries, including South Africa, regarding the plague, known as the “Black Death”.
The WHO says that in addition to South Africa, Kenya, Comoros, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Mozambique, France’s La Reunion, the Seychelles, and Tanzania need to be on “high alert” for the plague.
A “Black Death” outbreak in Madagascar has infected over 1000 people, and killed 124. The countries placed on alert share strong trade links with the infected island nation.
The WHO reportedly fears that the disease may spread via sea and air trade routes.
This outbreak is considered a much bigger threat than previous years, because it has taken on its pneumonic form. This means that it is airborne, and can be spread through sneezing and coughing.
The plague has a high mortality rate, killing 30 to 100 percent of those infected within 72 hours if not treated.
However, the WHO said that if the plague is detected early enough, it can easily be treated with antibiotics.
According to the WHO, South Africa has already put measures in place to prevent an outbreak, including “entry screening [and] information provision to passengers on how to seek medical care in case of symptoms”.
