[ad_1]
The Black Death – otherwise known as bubonic plague – once scourged Europe in the fourteenth century. Some 30 to 60 percent Most of the world's population is thought to have been killed by the terrible disease, which could have been transmitted from China by fleas clinging to black rats. The widespread nature of the disease means that most people are protected by old immunity, but new strains still appear in African countries. Here, limited access to antibiotics and comprehensive health care has allowed the disease to cause death.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), several people have died from an outbreak of pneumonic plague – a strain of old disease.
At least five deaths have been recorded by health officials. Dozens of people have been in contact with the virus.
Health officials in Uganda were commended for their prompt response, and WHO is now working with them to deal with new cases in development.
Although deaths from plague have only recently been reported, cases of pneumonic plague have been reported earlier this month from 5 March.
Some patients who contracted the disease at the DRC border went to Uganda for treatment.
A 35-year-old woman was taken to Uganda for treatment after her own daughter was killed by the disease.
Some 55 other people – including 11 health workers – who attended the woman's funeral were identified as being at high risk of plague.
The woman's 23-year-old cousin, who also reported symptoms of the disease, is recovering at the hospital.
Although the current outbreak is proving deadly, World Health Organization officials have stated that this was not a cause for concern.
Felix Ochom, an epidemiologist at WHO, said the current epidemic was under control.
Addressing Al Jazeera, he said: "On the Ugandan side, we are working closely with the Ministry of Health and the health authorities of Zombo District.
"It is treatable and the suspect case that we identified in Zombo District is undergoing treatment and is improving quite regularly."
According to officials, pneumonic plague is endemic in Madagascar and rarely occurs outside the region.
Cases of plague occur every year in the African country, especially from September to April, which the authorities describe as an "epidemic season".
The current epidemic remains a concern for people in the immediate area, as is the case in densely populated areas.
The WHO has not advised any travel or trade restrictions in response.
Source link
