BBC: Why plague caught Madagascar unaware
“There have been more than 1,800 cases and 127 deaths [in Madagascar] since the start of August, according to new figures. The island off the south-east coast of Africa is used to seeing about 400 cases of mostly bubonic plague in the same rural areas every year. But this year it has developed into the deadlier pneumonic version and spread to much more populated areas, including the capital…” (Mazumdar, 11/3).

Global Health NOW: Plague’s Blast from the Past Carries a Major Lesson: One Health Matters
“…Plague should have been a scourge of a bygone era. Yet, Madagascar has been battling a plague outbreak… Plague is also a prime example of a disease requiring a blended response, drawing on animal, human, and environmental health disciplines — in short, a One Health approach. As we approach One Health Day on November 3rd, the plague epidemic underscores the need for collective action from experts in these fields to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from current and future infectious disease threats…” (Bali/Machalaba/Seifman, 11/1).

HuffPost: Inside A Modern-Day Plague Outbreak
“This island nation is currently facing the world’s worst plague epidemic since the Vietnam War. … Often the problem isn’t access to treatment. If caught in time, the plague can be treated with common antibiotics. But the shame surrounding the disease, which people associate with poverty and dirtiness, can prevent them from seeking care…” (Carver, 11/2).

New York Times: Deadly Plague Outbreak in Madagascar Appears to Wane
“The large plague outbreak that began in Madagascar in August appears to be waning, according to government case counts and local news reports. … A World Health Organization spokesman, Tarik Jasarevic, confirmed reports in Malagasy media that both deaths and new cases were declining and most hospitalized patients had recovered, although ‘we cannot rule out the possibility of further spikes’…” (McNeil, 11/2).

TIME: There’s a Plague Outbreak in Madagascar. Here’s What You Should Know
“…The plague is a deadly disease spread largely by flea bites, but today can be treated effectively. Here’s what you should know about the latest outbreak…” (Sifferlin, 11/2).

VOA News: WHO Sends Experts to Prevent Spread of Plague Beyond Madagascar
“…Bubonic plague is not uncommon in the island nation, but this year the population also has been hit by plague pneumonia, which is spreading fast through the densely populated areas. Health officials say the outbreak is unusually severe and there are five more months before the end of the plague season. VOA’s Zlatica Hoke has more…” (Hoke, 11/3).