LATEST ON THE BLACK DEATH – THE WORST OUTBREAK IN 50 YEARS

Madagascar is currently facing the worst outbreak of plague in 50 years, and travellers are being advised to continue following measures to reduce the risk of 'black death' spreading. 

More than 1,300 cases have been reported in Madagascar since the start of the outbreak. Last week the World Health Organisation figures showed thirds of those with the plague are suspected to have the pneumonic strain, which is basically the "deadliest and most rapid form of plague".

To avoid the diseases spreading, a number of measures have been put in place, including travellers undergoing exit screening at Madagascars airport. According to Tourism Update, there have been no plague cases reported in South Africa. 

Professor Lucille Blumberg, South African National Institute of Communicable Diseases Deputy Director, said: “Together with the exit screening at the Madagascar airport, we have entry screening in South Africa where we can test for temperatures.”

Pneumonic plague can spread through coughing and can kill within 24 hours. Madagascar sees regular outbreaks of the disease, but this current outbreak has caused alarm due to the speed with which it has spread, as well as the high number of fatalities. 

A deadly outbreak of a rare, highly fatal virus has broken out in eastern Uganda and five cases have already been identified, WHO has reported.