Madagascar, an island nation off the coast of south-east Africa, has been hit by an outbreak of the plague, which has killed at least 124 people and infected 1,333 others.
The plague has already spread from the Ankazobe District, where the outbreak originated, into the capital of Antananarivo and the port city of Toamasina.
The plague is the pneumonic plague, spread from person to person, differing from the bubonic plague which is spread by rodents and is responsible for one of the deadliest pandemics in human history.
But officials are looking to stop the rapid spreading of the disease, which has a 100 per cent fatality rate if not treated, and have told residents to stop practicing the ritual of ‘famadihana’.
Famadihana, or turning of the bones, sees relatives dig up their dead loved ones, have the deceased’s body rewrapped and paraded through the streets.
The practice takes place in Madagascar between July and October, and health officials say that it is no coincidence that the practice coincides with the outbreak of the plague.
Willy Randriamarotia, Madagascar’s health ministry chief of staff, said: “If a person dies of pneumonic plague and is then interred in a tomb that is subsequently opened for the ritual, the bacteria can still be transmitted and contaminate whoever handles the body.”
Mr Randriamarotia has ordered for plague victims to now be buried in anonymous, tightly sealed containers, as to minimise the chances of relatives performing famadihana.
But locals are either in denial or simply do not believe the health advice,
Local Helene Raveloharisoa said: “I will always practice the turning of the bones of my ancestors — plague or no plague. The plague is a lie.”
Another, Josephine Ralisiarisoa, said: “I have participated in at least 15 famadihana ceremonies in my life. And I’ve never caught the plague.”