WHO Investigates Bubonic Plague Report From Libya
Posted on: Thursday, 18 June 2009, 06:12 CDT
The World Health Organization is looking into a potential outbreak of bubonic plague in Libya near the Egyptian border.
According to Libyan officials, one person had died from the disease and several more are sick in the town of Tubruq.
The disease, also known as the Black Death, has been reported in sub-Saharan Africa multiple times, but can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early enough.
According to Aphaluck Bhatiasevi, spokeswomen for the WHO, the organization received a request from Libya on Tuesday to investigate the claims in Tubruq.
The WHO has sent an expert to the region to lead a government team in studying epidemiological data, and checking reported bubonic cases.
According to an Associated Press report, Libyan officials said two people had already been treated for the plague, while 10 other claims were found to be false.
If the cases are confirmed by the WHO expert, it would be the first bubonic outbreak in Libya in 25 years, Ms Bhatiasevi told BBC News.
The plague is primarily spread by fleas that live on infected wild rodents.
The bubonic form of the plague, which enters via the skin, is normally contracted by humans through flea bites.
In recent years, bubonic plague has been reported in the US, Asia, and Africa.
---
On the Net:
Source: redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports
Related Articles
- Consumers Plagued With Slow Computers, Reports Support.Com
- PTTEP Studying Oman and Libya
- China to Close 7,000 Coal Mines
- Lethal Superbug Hits 44,000 Elderly Patients
- Vista Promises Tested
- Chronic Care: Ehr, Disease Registries Essential for Chronic Care
- Smoking Cessation Drug Also Keeps Weight Off
- Health Highlights: April 9, 2004
- Libya, Lockerbie Families Agree on Fund
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds