Eight countries at risk include the Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, France’s La Réunion, the Seychelles, and Tanzania.

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‘South Africa’s travel and trade links with Madagascar, where the outbreak has already killed 124 people and infected 1 133, has put it at risk,’ the WHO reports in the latest update.

An outbreak of the highly contagious plague has claimed 74 lives in Madagascar over the past two months with the capital particularly affected.

Read: Panic in Madagascar as plague spreads

A total of 805 cases have been reported on the poor Indian Ocean island nation since August.

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Madagascar has suffered plague outbreaks almost every year since 1980 — typically between September and April — and are often sparked by rats fleeing forest fires.

The current outbreak is unusual as it has affected urban areas — especially the capital Antananarivo — increasing the risk of transmission, according to the World Health Organisation.

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It has sparked panic despite the government appealing for calm.

Read: Madagascar plague death toll climbs to 74