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Madagascar plague epidemic "declining" but response must continue
28.11.2017 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
Madagascar «unprecedented outbreak» of deadly pneumonic plague is slowing down, but theres no room for complacency and the response must be sustained, UN Radio says referring to the World Health Organization (WHO) report.
In meanwhile, the Madagascar Ministry of Health admits the number of new infections has steadily declined within recent weeks, which indicates that measures taken to contain the outbreak have been effective, so far.
As to the report, since this year Aug, a total of 2,348 cases of the ancient killer disease have been reported, including 202 deaths.
«Its a tragedy that a disease from the Middle Ages that can be easily treated, could threaten an entire country and kill more than 200,» Peter Salama, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, stresses.
As to the report, still more infections of both bubonic and pneumonic plague are expected until the end of the plague season (to take place within next year Apr); however, at same time, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that «the worst of the outbreak is over».
It is to be admitted, nearly all identified plague patients and almost 7,300 people who were exposed to them, were provided with life-saving treatment free of charge.
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