Madagascar plague death toll rises to 171 with a 4% jump in cases as experts fear the ‘worst outbreak in 50 years’ WILL become resistant to antibiotics and reach US, Europe and Britain

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The deadly plague outbreak in Madagascar is rapidly spiralling out of control as 171 people have now lost their lives, official figures reveal.

World Health Organization data also shows the ‘medieval disease’ has infected 2,119 in the country off the coast of Africa – a four per cent jump in a handful of days. 

The ‘crisis’ has prompted ten African countries to be placed on high alert, with the WHO ordering nine to step up preparations. 

Experts fear the plague, which strikes Madagascar every year, will inevitably become resistant to antibiotics and mutate and become untreatable.

Others worry it will eventually hit the US, Europe and Britain, leaving millions more vulnerable due to how quick it can spread through populations.

And with the plague season expected to run until April, scientists believe there will be another spike of cases in the coming months. 

Scores of doctors and nurses have already been struck down with the disease, and there are growing fears hospitals will be unable to cope if it continues its rampage.

But local officials are adamant the ‘worst outbreak in 50 years’ is slowing down as the number of new cases is on the decline.

92b6891d7571db8fa6a13c5a360fa4c7 Madagascar plague death toll rises to 171 with a 4% jump in cases as experts fear the 'worst outbreak in 50 years' WILL become resistant to antibiotics and reach US, Europe and Britain

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