The deadly plague known as the black death has broken out on Uganda’s border with Democratic Republic of Congo and several people are thought to have died of the disease, the World Health Organization said.

But the agency praised Ugandan health workers for vigilance and prompt action in spotting a suspected outbreak of pneumonic plague, which the WHO says is usually fatal unless detected early and treated with antibiotics.

Uganda’s Health Ministry reported two probable cases of the illness in Zombo district after a 35-year-old woman died and her 23-year-old cousin reported similar symptoms.

The cousin’s symptoms raised suspicions of plague and a preliminary rapid diagnostic test was positive for the disease.

Some 55 people, including 11 health workers and people who took part in the dead woman’s funeral, had been identified as high risk contacts and were being followed up.

Three other people reportedly died of similar symptoms in Congo, the WHO said, and Congolese authorities were investigating. Plague is endemic in Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Peru, according to the WHO.

Congolese health authorities are already fighting a major outbreak of Ebola further south in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.

Pneumonic plague is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria, usually found in small mammals and their fleas.

Humans can be infected through flea bites, unprotected contact with bodily fluids or contaminated materials and the inhalation of droplets or small particles from a patient with pneumonic plague.

Another report says that at least five deaths have now been recorded by health officials.

But while the current outbreak is proving deadly, officials with the World Health Organization have said it is no cause for concern, with an epidemiologist with WHO saying the organization has the current outbreak under control.

The Biblical Prophecies (Matthew 24, Revelation 6) foretell that pestilence is a sign of the Last Days revealing we are nearing the end of this age and the coming of Jesus Christ.

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