So far on this Indian Ocean Island, 684 plague cases have been reported as well as 57 deaths. The plague is expected to increase before it decreases. The facts I've gleaned have been from news reports on the Internet, CNN, VOX and the World Health Organisation as well as the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC).
Let me explain what the plague is:
Plague is caused by infection with the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is typically spread through the bite of infected fleas, frequently carried by rats, causing bubonic plague. Symptoms include painful swollen lymph nodes, called bubos, as well as fever, chills and coughing.
This is almost an annual occurrence on the island, due to the squalor of the immense poverty encountered here. The people are resigned to its outbreak, especially during the rainy season, normally between November and March. But this year, the outbreak happened three months earlier, in August. I surmise because of its earlier than usual appearance, the Ministry of Health was caught unawares. The plague outbreak has been exacerbated by the disease advancing to the more dangerous and damaging stage know as:
Pneumonic plague, which is more virulent, and is characterised by a severe lung infection. The infection can be transmitted from person to person via airborne droplets - coughing or sneezing. The incubation period is short, and an infected person may die within 12 to 24 hours. It is this aspect of the disease that is causing the most stress for medical practitioners.
The IFRC has stressed the importance of getting local communities to understand the difference in this year's outbreak, as they are used to outbreaks of bubonic plague, spread by rats and fleas, rather than humans.
Both forms of the disease can be treated with antibiotics, making early detection a priority. Occasionally there can be cases of:
Septicemic plague, where the infection has spread to a person's bloodstream and can cause bleeding and necrosis of tissue, turning it black.
The government has mobilised resources to spray schools and other public places, in order to try and curb the spread of infection.
On a more humorous note, seeing as though we're talking about rodents and fleas, There is a veterinary clinic and shop one bypasses on the way to the airport. It has a sign that reads: "Flea baths here," I wonder if they will spray those baths!
They will be spraying Hilton's work on Saturday morning. He will be opening up the workshop areas and offices that he is responsible for, and I will accompany him, because I'm that curios. Medical examinations are being carried out on all staff members as an added precaution.
Public schools are closed and the government has forbidden all public gatherings.
It is believed the outbreak began by the death of a man travelling in a taxi enroute from Toamasina to Antananarivo.
Photos to give you an idea of everyday life here on the island:
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| In the rainy season.... |
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| View overlooking Tana, from Isoraka. |
In the above photo, this is a street in which any kind of tyre or car part can be purchased. It is a very depressing street, especially when it rains. It leads to the shopping mall known as Tana Waterfront. Not my favourite street.
I have a few photos taken in Taolagnaro, before the main street was tarred.
In the above photo, I sat watching the children playing "shop-shop", only their imaginative play was taking place in an area few of us would ever picture our children or grandchildren playing in, yet they were happy and enjoying each others' company and I dare say enjoying the moment they had to actually play, before it was back to "chore time."
I'm appalled by this island's government and it's inability to address the issues that can improve the living conditions of it's people.
The simple fact that a disease such as the plague recurs on an annual basis, is proof enough that the powers that be are simply not interested.
I'm not living with my head in the clouds. I know it is a huge infrastructure challenge. But if not now, when? Surely there should be some form of prevention? I continue to question the effectiveness of world organisations that come into so-called third world countries to improve the standard of living and want to offer whatever other humanitarian aid they need. How come these countries just cannot rise to another level?
How come roads that are built by other countries simply don't last? What happens to the money given for sanitation improvement?
How come we don't treat all of humanity with the dignity they so rightly deserve?
Thank you for providing an enlightening explanation. I always enjoy reading your thoughts through your blog. I'm not biased :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Alistair!
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