Death toll from Madagascar plague rises to 30

The death toll from an outbreak of a highly contagious plague in Madagascar has risen to 30 over the last two months, health officials have said.

“We have recorded 194 suspected cases of plague, including 30 deaths,” health official Manitra Rakotoarivony said in a statement.

The first death occurred on August 28 when a passenger died in a public service vehicle on the east coast of the island nation.

Two others who came into contact with the passenger also died, with two more succumbing to the disease in the center of the island.

Plague outbreaks have been reported in Madagascar every year since 1980, often fueled by rats fleeing forest fires.

The infectious disease can be cured with antibiotics, but can be fatal within 24 hours if it affects the lungs.

The high rate of instances in Madagascar has been attributed to poor hygiene and insufficient healthcare.

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