doi: 10.3201/eid1310.070284.
Plague reappearance in Algeria after 50 years, 2003
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- PMID:18257987
- PMCID: PMC2851531
- DOI: 10.3201/eid1310.070284
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Plague reappearance in Algeria after 50 years, 2003
Eric Bertherat et al. Emerg Infect Dis.2007 Oct.
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Abstract
An outbreak of plague occurred in the region of Oran, Algeria, from June to July 2003. Algeria had not reported this disease for >50 years. Eighteen bubonic cases were identified, and Yersinia pestis was isolated from 6 patients. Except for the index case-patient, all patients recovered. Targeted chemoprophylaxis, sanitation, and vector control played a crucial role in controlling the outbreak. Epidemiologic and biomolecular findings strongly suggested the existence of a local animal reservoir during this period, but its origin (resurgence or re-importation) could not be determined. This sudden and unexpected reemergence of plague, close to an important commercial seaport, is a textbook illustration of a public health event of international importance. It also demonstrates that the danger of plague reoccurrence is not limited to the currently indexed natural foci.
Figures
Geographic distribution of plague cases, Oran region, June–July 2003. Boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization (WHO) concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. Data source: Ministry of Health Algeria. Map production: Public Health Mapping and GIS, Communicable Diseases, WHO. Copyright WHO, 2006. Used with permission.
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