The plague death toll shows no sign of slowing as official figures reveal 165 have now lost their lives in Madagascar's 'worst outbreak in 50 years'.

Data shows a 15 per cent jump in fatalities over three days, with scientists concerned it has reached 'crisis' point and 10 countries now placed on high alert, reports the dailymail.

At least 2,034 people have been struck down by a more lethal form of the 'medieval disease' so far in the country off the coast of Africa, according to WHO statistics.

Some experts fear the disease could mutate and become untreatable during this year's outbreak - which is expected to blight Madagascar until April.

Others worry the plague will go beyond mainland Africa and eventually reach the US, Europe and Britain, leaving millions more vulnerable due to how quick it can spread. 

Experts warn the outbreak of plague in Madagascar this year is being fueled by a strain more lethal than the one which usually strikes the country.

Two thirds of cases have been caused by the airborne pneumonic plague, which can be spread through coughing, sneezing or spitting and kill within 24 hours.

It is strikingly different to the bubonic form, responsible for the 'Black Death' in the 14th century, which strikes the country each year and infects around 600 people.

Malawi was added to the growing list of nations placed urged to brace for a potential outbreak over the weekend, becoming the tenth.

South Africa, Seychelles, La Reunion, Tanzania, Mauritius, Comoros, Mozambique, Kenya and Ethiopia have already been told to prepare. 

Paul Hunter, professor of health protection at the world-renowned University of East Anglia, was the first expert to predict the plague could travel across the sea.

Amid concerns the plague had reached crisis point, the World Bank decided to release an extra $5 million (£3.8m) to control the rocketing amount of cases.

The money will allow for the deployment of personnel to battle the outbreak in the affected regions, the disinfection of buildings and fuel for ambulances.  

The latest World Health Organization figures come days after aid workers on the ground revealed that police are having to seize the corpses of plague victims.

Charlotte Ndiaye, of the WHO, described the situation as being 'terrible', with many traditional families unwilling to part with their loved ones.

BDST: 1650 HRS, NOV 14, 2017
AP