Plague Continues To Spread After Outbreak In Madagascar

"Black Death" is far from being considered a thing of history as it continues to affect the modern world.

After initial outbreak in August, Madagascar continued to see cases of both bubonic and pneumonic plague.

According to a report by the World Health Organization Thursday, a total of over 1,300 suspected cases of plague were reported in Madagascar, which resulted in 93 deaths.

Out of the reported cases, 882 were classified as pneumonic plague, 221 were bubonic and 1 was septicaemic. Another 186 cases were unspecified; however, further classification is in process.

Pneumonic plague, also known as pulmonary plague, attacks respiratory systems and is considered the most "virulent form of plague" by WHO. Those infected can die within 18 to 24 hours upon the onset of symptoms and can continue to be spread through coughing or sneezing.

Arguably the most known form of plague, the bubonic plague – best known for wiping out a third of the European population in the 1300s – attacks the lymph nodes and is spread through a form of bacteria known as Yersinia pestis, which can be found in infected animals such as fleas and rodents.

Along with Madagascar, areas within Peru and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are considered the countries with the highest epidemic. However, even with a strong grip within Madagascar, the risk of global spread of the plague is considered low by WHO.

"The risk of international spread is low, because generally, people with plague are too sick to travel," Dr. Charlotte Ndiaye, a WHO representative in Madagascar, told CNN Wednesday.

Early diagnosis and treatment are absolutely essential for survival. According to a report by CNN Wednesday, WHO provided medications to treat up to 5,000 and protect up to 100,000 people who were possibly in contact with infected individuals.

Public schools and airports have been shut down within Madagascar in efforts to limit the spread of the disease.