2007/10/01 by Eric Bertherat, Souad Bekhoucha, Saada Chougrani +12 · 4 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Medicine · #Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research #Vibrio bacteria research studies #Zoonotic diseases and public health
paper · pdf · doi:10.3201/eid1310.070284
openalex publication_date 2007/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
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.