Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
One Health: navigating plague in Madagascar amidst COVID-19
Ritik Agrawal1, Jogesh Murmu1, Sweta Pattnaik1
1ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Background:
Africa sees the surge of plague cases in recent decades, with hotspots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Peru. A rodent-borne scourge, the bacterial infection known as plague is transmitted to humans via the sneaky bites of fleas, caused by Yersinia pestis. Bubonic plague has a case fatality rate of 20.8% with treatment, but in places such as Madagascar the mortality rate can increase to 40-70% without treatment.
Main Text:
Tragedy strikes in the Ambohidratrimo district as three lives are claimed by the plague outbreak and three more fight for survival in the hospitals, including one man in critical condition, from the Ambohimiadana, Antsaharasty, and Ampanotokana communes, bringing the total plague victims in the area to a grim to five. Presently, the biggest concern is the potential plague spread among humans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Effective disease control can be achieved through training and empowering local leaders and healthcare providers in rural areas, implementing strategies to reduce human-rodent interactions, promoting water, sanitation and hygiene practices (WASH) practices, and carrying out robust vector, reservoir and pest control, diversified animal surveillance along with human surveillance should be done to more extensively to fill the lacunae of knowledge regarding the animal to human transmission. The lack of diagnostic laboratories equipped represents a major hurdle in the early detection of plague in rural areas. To effectively combat plague, these tests must be made more widely available. Additionally, raising awareness among the general population through various means such as campaigns, posters and social media about the signs, symptoms, prevention, and infection control during funerals would greatly decrease the number of cases. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should be trained on the latest methods of identifying cases, controlling infections and protecting themselves from the disease.
Conclusions:
Despite being endemic to Madagascar, the outbreak's pace is unparalleled, and it may spread to non-endemic areas. The utilization of a One Health strategy that encompasses various disciplines is crucial for minimizing catastrophe risk, antibiotic resistance, and outbreak readiness. Collaboration across sectors and proper planning ensures efficient and consistent communication, risk management, and credibility during disease outbreaks.
Insights
Plague outbreaks in Africa, particularly Madagascar, are surging. A One Health strategy integrating human, animal, and environmental health is vital for effective control and preventing future epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Plague, a bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis, is endemic in parts of Africa, with recent surges in cases.
- Transmitted by fleas from rodents, plague has a significant case fatality rate, especially in untreated populations like those in Madagascar.
- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic complicates plague control efforts, raising concerns about human-to-human transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the escalating threat of plague in Africa, exemplified by a recent outbreak in Madagascar.
- To emphasize the need for integrated control strategies to mitigate plague's impact and prevent wider dissemination.
- To underscore the importance of a One Health approach in managing zoonotic diseases and enhancing outbreak readiness.
Main Methods:
- Implementing community-based training for local leaders and healthcare providers in rural disease hotspots.
- Promoting integrated pest management, including reducing human-rodent contact and robust vector/reservoir surveillance.
- Enhancing diagnostic capacity in rural areas and increasing public awareness campaigns on plague prevention and symptom recognition.
Main Results:
- A recent outbreak in Madagascar's Ambohidratrimo district resulted in multiple fatalities and critically ill patients.
- The study identifies critical gaps in early detection due to a lack of equipped diagnostic laboratories in affected rural regions.
- Effective control measures require a multi-faceted approach combining surveillance, community engagement, and improved healthcare infrastructure.
Conclusions:
- The current plague outbreak in Madagascar demonstrates an unprecedented pace, posing a risk of spread to non-endemic regions.
- A comprehensive One Health strategy is essential for minimizing risks associated with plague, including antibiotic resistance and future outbreaks.
- Cross-sectoral collaboration and strategic planning are fundamental for effective risk management, communication, and credibility during disease emergencies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
01:29Concepts of Health and Illness
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:18Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...