Madagascar Plague That Killed 195 May Have Arrived in Europe 4,000 Years Earlier Than Black Death Epidemic: Study - JPKee.com

Madagascar, Nov 23: Plague as claimed 195 lives in Madagascar and has left over 2,000 people infected, the World Health Organisation (WHO) claimed as it warned of an increase in the number till April next year. The outbreak was first reported in August and a total of 216 cases have been reported alone in the first week of November.

Meanwhile, a new research has revealed that the ‘worst outbreak in 50 years’ in Madagascar may have arrived in Europe 4,000 years earlier than the Black Death, which was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, resulting in the deaths of 75 to 200 million people in Eurasia in the years 1346–1353. As per the study released by Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History, Germany, the Yersina pestis bacteria first entered Europe in the Bronze Age.

Report suggests that ancient civilizations from Siberia may have fled to Europe in order to escape the plague, but actually brought the infection with them.

The genes of six plague-causing Yersinia pestis bacteria from 4,800 to 3,700 years ago were analysed by the researchers for the study. Over 500 tooth and bone samples from Russia, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia were also investigated and screened for Y pestis.

A report quotes Dr Derek Gatherer from Lancaster University as saying that the deadly plague epidemic in Madagascar that is at ‘crisis’ point will trigger an outbreak of polio.

Meanwhile, the WHO has “identified as priority countries for plague preparedness and readiness” and they are:

• Comoros


• Ethiopia


• Kenya


• Mauritius


• Mozambique


• La Réunion


• Seychelles


• South Africa


• Tanzania

What is Plague?

Plague is carried by small mammals and their fleas, through which it is transmitted to other animals and humans. It is especially contagious and can trigger severe epidemics through person-to-person contact.

What are the symptoms?

There are two types of plague – bubonic and pneumonic. Both result into a sudden onset of fever, chills, head and body aches, and weakness, vomiting and nausea.

• Bubonic, is caused by the bite of an infected flea, affects the lymph nodes and causes swelling sores filled with pus.


• Pneumonic, is the most virulent form and can kill if not treated within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.

What precautions must travellers take?

Travellers should protect themselves against flea bites and avoid contact with dead animals, infected tissues or materials. They are also advised to avoid close contact with patients with pneumonic plague. In case of symptoms of fever, chills, painful and inflamed lymph nodes, or shortness of breath with coughing and/or blood-tainted sputum, travellers should seek medical service as soon as possible.

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Author - Vikash Kumar