19 die as suspected Madagascar plague cases cross 100

By Sandra Rabearisoa

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar

Nineteen people have died so far from plague in Madagascar while more than 100 other suspected cases have been registered across the country, according to health minister.

Most deaths had been by pneumonic plague -- an infectious disease that causes severe lung infection, Minister of Public Health Lalatiana Andriamanarivo said late Thursday.

Out of the 19 deaths, 13 cases were confirmed to be caused by pneumonic plague while it remains unclear so far what kind of plague caused the deaths of six others, Andriamanarivo said.

The minister said the plague season in Madagascar usually begins in September and continues until April. "This year, the season started a little earlier," he said.

"The off-season before the rainy season favors the spread of waste and bush fires. They are the main factors in the spread of the epidemic."

The city of Toamasina, located in eastern part of the Big Island, recorded the highest number of deaths -- seven in one month -- while two deaths were also reported in capital Antananarivo.

Health Ministry’s Plague Control Department head Dr. Randrema Mercelin drew attention to the panic caused by the recurrence of plague and the rush for the drug called Cotrimoxazole.

"Unfortunately, we have recorded many serious allergic cases in the Sava region, as well as in Toamasina and Vatomandry, due to the inappropriate use of this tablet," Mercelin told Anadolu Agency.

He said from now on pharmacies will sell drugs only through prescription. Mercelin explained pneumonic plague could be transmitted by cough or sputum of a patient.

The symptoms of plague include: fever, fatigue and cough accompanied by sputum containing blood.

The ministry is currently working on disinfection and disinsectization measures.

A center for free care of plague patients is also already operational in the capital.