Travel Health
Plague
Plague is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. There are three forms: bubonic plague, pneumonic plague and sepsis (blood poisoning). Which form you get depends on how you are infected.
Source: National Coordination Centre for Travellers' Health (LCR). Last updated December 4, 2023 · Open the LCR page
What is Plague?
According to LCR (Dutch travel advice)
Plague is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. There are three forms: bubonic plague, pneumonic plague and sepsis (blood poisoning). Which form you get depends on how you are infected.
You can get plague in Africa, North and South America and Asia.
Most people get plague from the bite of an infected flea. You can also get it through contact with infected (rodent) animals or people. Pneumonic plague can follow if you inhale the bacterium when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
It is usually bubonic plague: fever, chills, headache and painful swellings in the groin, armpits or neck. Without treatment you can get blood poisoning; the chance of dying from that is high. Pneumonic plague is the most serious form and resembles severe pneumonia.
There is no vaccine against plague. Avoid contact with sick or dead animals. If you have pets, keep them free of fleas.
According to WHO
- Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis, usually found in small mammals and their fleas.
- Bubonic plague is the most common form, from a flea bite. Pneumonic plague can spread person to person via droplets and can be rapidly fatal without early treatment.
- Antibiotics work if the disease is recognised in time. Most recent human cases have been in Africa.
General advice
Frequently asked questions
- What is Plague?
- Plague is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. There are three forms: bubonic plague, pneumonic plague and sepsis (blood poisoning). Which form you get depends on how you are infected.
- Which countries is Plague relevant for?
- LCR mentions Plague for 1 destinations, including Madagascar. Open a country for the full advice.
- Is vaccination against Plague required?
- LCR lists Plague mainly as advice, not as a required entry vaccination. Whether you need it depends on your trip.
- When should I get travel vaccinations?
- Book a travel clinic appointment 4 to 6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need more than one dose.
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