The latest WHO regional bulletin describes an outbreak of plague in Fataki health zone of Ituri province in the country’s endemic NE: In the two months since the first case was identified on April 22, there have been 117 suspected plague cases (bubonic and pulmonary) and 13 deaths from eight health zones in the province. The bulletin notes that 'more cases occur in the rainy seasons (from March-May then July-November), harvest seasons, and its peri-forest environment'.
Advice for travellers
Plague poses a low risk to most travellers. The majority of plague cases are due to bubonic plague following the bite of an infected flea carried by rats. If left untreated, infection of the lungs causes the pneumonic form of plague, a severe respiratory illness, which can progress rapidly to death. Read more on the plague.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.