25 October 2006

 

Plague - Human cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has received reports of a suspected pneumonic plague outbreak in two health zones in Haut-Uele district of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) [1].

The majority of cases have been reported from Wamba health zone in Oriental province, which is in the north of the country. Six hundred and twenty-six suspected cases, including 42 deaths were reported between 31 July and 8 October 2006.

WHO advises that the low case fatality ratio is unusual for pneumonic plague and they suggest that the number of suspected cases may be an overestimation. Preliminary field results, using a rapid diagnostic test, found that out of eight samples tested, three were positive. Further laboratory confirmation is now in progress.

Plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis and is endemic in many countries within tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, including northern and southern Africa, parts of North America, and central, south, and south-east Asia. There are three forms of plague; bubonic, pneumonic, and septicaemic. The natural reservoir for plague is wild rodents.

The disease is transmitted to humans most commonly through bites by infected fleas, but it can also be contracted from handling infected animals especially rodents, rabbits, and cats, and rarely through contact with patients who have pulmonary infection with plague.

Advice for travellers

Plague is low risk for the majority of travellers. In addition, it is unlikely that this area of the DRC will be visited by UK tourists. However, persons residing or visiting plague-endemic areas should avoid contact with rodents. Living areas should be cleared of rubbish to control rodent populations. Insect bite avoidance measures should be employed to discourage flea bites, and domestic animals should be regularly treated for fleas.

Reference

1. World Health Organization - Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response. Plague in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 13 October 2006 [cited 25 October 2006]. Available online at:

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2006_10_13/en/index.html

Further information

NaTHNaC Plague information sheet:

http://www.NaTHNaC.org/travel/factsheets/plague1.htm