Madagascar is facing the worst outbreak of plague in 50 years.

There have been more than 1,800 cases and 127 deaths since the start of August, according to new figures.

The island off the south-east coast of Africa is used to seeing about 400 cases of mostly bubonic plague in the same rural areas every year.

But this year it has developed into the deadlier pneumonic version and spread to much more populated areas, including the capital.

The WHO describes the plague as "one of the oldest - and most feared - of all diseases".

Historically, plague has been responsible for widespread pandemics with extremely high numbers of deaths.

It was known as the Black Death during the 14th Century, killing more than 50 million people across Europe.

Bubonic v pneumonic plague:

Bubonic plague is spread to humans by the bites of infected fleas that live on small mammals such as rats

Without treatment, it kills up to two-thirds of those infected

About one in 10 cases will develop into pneumonic plague, which is almost always fatal if not treated quickly

Unlike bubonic plague, it spreads much more easily through droplets in the air. So if a sick person coughs very close to you, you could pick it up