IMO has issued a circular informing that a plague outbreak in Madagascar has spread to the capital and port towns, according to World Health Organisation. So far, there is no justification at this stage for restrictions on travel or trade, however, operators are advised to review specific guide issued by WHO which draws attention on lessons learned from recent disease outbreaks to provide substantive public health guidance.
WHO recorded the outbreak in late summer and as of September 30, 2017 73 cases (suspected, probable and confirmed) of pneumonic plague were reported by the country, 17 of whom have died. In addition, 58 cases of bubonic plague, including seven deaths, have been reported throughout the country.
Based on the available information to date, the risk of international spread of plague appears very low. The WHO advises against any restriction on travel or trade on Madagascar based on the available information.
International travellers should be informed about the current plague outbreak, the fact that plague is endemic in Madagascar, and should receive advice on prevention, post exposure chemoprophylaxis, and where to seek medical treatment should they develop plague related symptoms.
Travellers should also be aware that Madagascar is endemic for malaria and should consider the antimalarial prophylaxis recommended by the WHO when travelling to Madagascar.
In case of sudden symptoms of fever, chills, painful and inflamed lymph nodes, or shortness of breath with coughing and/or blood-tainted sputum, travellers should immediately contact a medical service.
