New cases of pneumonic plague has continued to decline in all active areas across Madagascar

We’ve seen a number of reports on the case/death counts in Madagascar due to the plague outbreak–both from local health and global health officials with sometimes dramatically different numbers.

In the latest report from WHO, we see that total cases and deaths now stand at 1309 suspected cases of plague, including 93 deaths (7%).

Of these, 882 (67%) were clinically classified as pulmonary plague, 221 (17%) were bubonic plague, 1 was septicemic, and 186 were unspecified (further classification of cases is in process). Since the beginning of the outbreak, 71 healthcare workers (with no deaths) have been affected.

Officials say the number of new cases of pulmonary plague has continued to decline in all active areas across the country. In the past two weeks, 12 previously affected districts reported no new confirmed or probable cases of pulmonary plague.

Between 1 August and 24 October 2017, 29 districts have reported confirmed and probable cases of pulmonary plague. The number of districts that reported confirmed and probable cases of pulmonary plague during the last two weeks reduced to 17.

About 70% (3467) of 4990 contacts identified have completed their 7-day follow-up and a course of prophylactic antibiotics. A total of seven contacts developed symptoms and became suspected cases. On 24 October 2017, 1165 out of 1239 (94%) contacts were followed up and provided with prophylactic antibiotics.

In related news, local media reports (computer translated) that local politicians are demanding the resignation of Ministry of Public Health , Mamy Lalatiana Andriamanarivo for incompetence over the outbreak.

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