The plague remains endemic in several countries, including Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru. It is caused by the bacterium Y. pestis. In Madagascar more than 13,000 people were affected in the last 25 years and the disease has a 27 per cent fatality rate. The plague appears in rural areas and can reach towns and cities.
Research found the human flea, Pulex irritans, is a factor in recent outbreaks. A scientist called Adelaide Miarinjara led a study in four rural villages in the southeastern Central Highlands of Madagascar. The team looked at household size, sleeping arrangements, animals inside homes and floor types. They found more fleas where families were large, livestock stayed indoors and floors were dirt with plant fibre mats. Heavy insecticide use was common and may cause resistance. Experts suggest better floors, separate animal housing and improved flea treatments for communities.
Difficult words
- endemic — Always present in a certain region
- bacterium — A very small single-celled living organism
- fatality — A death caused by a disease or event
- outbreak — A sudden start of disease in peopleoutbreaks
- livestock — Farm animals kept by people for food
- insecticide — A chemical used to kill insects
- resistance — When pests do not die from treatments
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Discussion questions
- Do people in your area keep animals inside houses? Why or why not?
- What changes to floors or animal housing could reduce fleas in homes?
- How do you feel about heavy insecticide use and possible resistance?
