Public health measures to contain international spread of plague from Madagascar

With the continued expansion of the plague epidemic in Madagascar, travellers should be aware of the following:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) assesses the risk of exposure to plague to be very high in Madagascar, moderate for spread to adjacent Indian Ocean islands and other southern and east African countries, and low for global spread of the disease.

• To minimize the possible spread of this disease by travellers leaving Madagascar, the following exit screening measures are being implemented at the International Airport in Antananarivo:

• • Travellers must complete a departure form at the airport.
• • Travellers must pass temperature screening and anyone with a fever will be referred to an airport physicians for further consultation.
• • Passengers with symptoms compatible with pneumonic plague will be immediately isolated at the airport and tested with a rapid diagnostic test.
• • Symptomatic individuals are not allowed to travel.

Some of the neighbouring countries, namely Comoros, Mauritius and South Africa have put in place measures to protect their population, including entry screening and providing information to arriving passengers on how to seek medical care.

WHO advises against any restriction on travel or trade on Madagascar based on the available information.

Advice

Exit screening measures may result in delays at the international airport. Travellers should allow extra time for check in prior to departure. Any passenger who develops a sudden fever and cough while visiting Madagascar should seek medical attention at once.