A MEDICAL expert has warned that the plague, which has already killed 140 people in Madagascar, could mutate and become untreatable.

Professor Paul Hunter also warned it was possible for the disease to reach Europe and North America like the Ebola virus did in 2014 following an outbreak in West Africa.

2 Red Cross officials work in Antananarivo, Madagascar, where the plague has struck Credit: AFP or licensors

Hunter, who lectures in health protection at the University of East Anglia, said: "As with any disease, it's a real worry that it mutates and become untreatable."

He told the Daily Star: "If it reaches the UK, Europe or the US it would be similar to the Ebola outbreak.

"We would probably have a few isolated cases but it shouldn’t spread like it has in Madagascar."

The island, located off the southeastern coast of Africa, has seen 143 of its citizens from over 2,000 people infected.

2 Madagascans have been told to stop the traditional practice of Famadihana - where locals dig up deceased relatives and dance with them before they are re-buried Credit: AFP or licensors

Two thirds of the cases have been reported as pneumonic which is the most lethal strain.

Dr Charlotte Ndiaye, who works for the World Health Organisation in Madagascar, said: "WHO is concerned that plague could spread further because it is already present in several cities and this is the start of the epidemic season, which usually runs from September to April."

The disease can be spread by coughing, sneezing, spitting and through contact with other fluids.

It is related to the Black Death which killed around 200 million people in Europe and Asia between 1346 and 1353.

MOST READ IN NEWS Exclusive 'HE'S DEVASTATED' Kyle Walker 'furious' after fiancée admits to lockdown fling with toyboy SCARED WHITTY-LESS UK faces Covid disaster, top scientists will warn in TV message today GRINCHES Mum reveals HUGE Xmas gift haul for daughter - but some parents brand kid 'spoilt' KEEP CALM Supermarket bosses urge Brits NOT to panic buy & insist there is plenty of stock XMAS 'GIFT' PM to consider lifting 'rule of six' on Xmas so families can celebrate together Comment TREVOR KAVANAGH Boris Johnson is isolated & his allies now seem ready to tear him down Exclusive 'LAZY PM' Leaked govt poll reveals Brits have little faith in PM's handling of the pandemic

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.