The World Health Organization (WHO) suspects the pneumonic plague is responsible for 100 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to WHO lab tests, an outbreak began in May, and despite quarantine efforts, continues to spread.

According to the BBC, a team from Doctors without Borders, the WHO and the Congolese Health Ministry are providing support to local health authorities.

If caught early, and treated, the patient usually lives. However, the crude state of medical facilities in the area increase the danger of the plague, which if left untreated is nearly always fatal.