The World Health Organization published in its Disease Outbreak News, an update on pneumonic plague in Madagascar. The cases of pneumonic plague are up to 51 cases now. Due to its relative isolation from a major transport area, WHO has not considered it to be a global threat. They have recommended notices to people arriving in the ports about precautions to take.
The patient zero became ill Aug. 23 and it was not until Sept. 11 after 31 people had died, was an epidemic discovered in the region. According to the WHO report, protective measures were not taken with the death of the first victim.
The best use of resources is always in the earliest possible stages, and in Madagascar where plague is endemic, why is education not a primary objective of WHO in this region? The resources needed after an outbreak begins is exponentially greater than those to prevent it or stop it immediately. I recommend that Madagascar be used as a model for WHO to launch a plague education program. It is time to take plague seriously in Madagascar.
The patient zero became ill Aug. 23 and it was not until Sept. 11 after 31 people had died, was an epidemic discovered in the region. According to the WHO report, protective measures were not taken with the death of the first victim.
The best use of resources is always in the earliest possible stages, and in Madagascar where plague is endemic, why is education not a primary objective of WHO in this region? The resources needed after an outbreak begins is exponentially greater than those to prevent it or stop it immediately. I recommend that Madagascar be used as a model for WHO to launch a plague education program. It is time to take plague seriously in Madagascar.
