The Black Death Plague has been spreading across Madagascar and South Africa has been put on high alert to watch out for signs of the plague.
We heard the news about the Black Plague (also known as Black Death or the Bubonic Plague) in August but dismissed it as fake news and moved on. Fast forward to now and imagine our shock to find out that it really is back and has a high potential of hitting South Africa!
We understand that this in no way falls into our “Good News, Good Vibes” genre of writing but we felt it was important to make sure people realise this isn’t a prank or fake. It is our duty to inform our readers of things that may affect their lives.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified South Africa, among nine other countries, as priority areas to be prepared. They listed Ethiopia‚ Kenya‚ Mauritius‚ Mozambique‚ Réunion‚ Seychelles‚ South Africa‚ and Tanzania because of trade routes.
“Plague is an infectious disease found in some small mammals and their fleas. People can contract plague if they are in bitten by infected fleas‚ and develop the bubonic form of plague. Sometimes bubonic plague progresses to pneumonic plague‚ when the bacteria reaches the lungs‚” – WHO
The organisation has been working hard to contain the problem and protect as many people as possible. They have given out over 1.5 million antibiotics to people living in Madagascar. And while it is a serious problem early detection and modern medicine will be able to prevent a repeat of the 1300’s.
“Plague is curable if detected in time. Our teams are working to ensure that everyone at risk has access to protection and treatment. The faster we move, the more lives we save,” said Dr. Charlotte Ndiaye, WHO Representative in Madagascar.
You can read the full details about the two types on their website, the information was recently updated by WHO.
It has not been reported in South Africa but WHO believes we should be prepared for that moment so here are some of their tips and info on what to do if it starts spreading in South Africa.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms typically include sudden onset fever, chills, head and body aches and weakness, vomiting and nausea. Painful and inflamed lymph nodes can also appear during bubonic plague. Symptoms of the pneumonic form appear quickly after infection (sometimes less than 24 hours) and include severe respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing, often with blood-tainted sputum.
How can I protect myself from being infected?
To prevent the spread of pneumonic plague, avoid close contact (under 2 meters) with someone who is coughing, and reduce time spent in crowded areas. To prevent bubonic plague, do not touch dead animals and wear insect repellent while in plague-endemic areas.
What should I do if I suspect I have it?
In case of sudden symptoms of fever, chills, painful and inflamed lymph nodes, or shortness of breath with coughing and/or blood-tainted expectoration, people should immediately contact a medical provider for an evaluation. (Travellers who have left plague-affected areas should inform their health worker of their travel history to a plague-affected area.) People should avoid self-medication, including using antibiotics, unless they are diagnosed by a health worker.
How do you diagnose plague?
Health workers make an evaluation based on symptoms. Confirmation is based on laboratory testing from a sample of blood, sputum (fluid coughed up from inside the lungs) or pus from a bubo.
How can it be treated?
It can be treated with antibiotics, and recovery is common if treatment starts early. In areas where there is a plague outbreak, people with symptoms should go to a health centre for evaluation and treatment. Patients with pneumonic plague must be isolated and treated by trained medical staff wearing personal protective equipment.