Reading "The Plague" in Malé

In 1947 the Nobel prize-winning writer Albert Camus published a novel entitled “The Plague”. Set in the Algerian coastal town of Oran, it tells the tale of the townsfolk as they battle a deadly plague that has spread through their home.

The entire town is forced into quarantine. No one can enter or leave as the city walls are barred. Panic grips the town. Those who display symptoms of the disease are quickly condemned to death, both by their closest friends and relatives, and eventually by their Maker. Some try to escape Oran. An underground racket by people smugglers begins. Sentries are forced to shoot down those who try and escape.

We are now witnessing the eerie, early signs of such a reaction to the H1N1 epidemic here in Malé. The news of the first swine flu death in Inguraidhoo was met with silent disbelief. Fear levels went up once more cases were reported in Muli- this time in an island located to the south of the capital. More and more cases are being reported. It seems like we are in for an onslaught.

People have taken to wearing facemasks on the streets. What is most striking is that it is not just the frail and elderly. They have good cause to be cautious. Young men and women are also donning masks as they go about their daily lives.

Malé is one of the world’s most congested cities. If swine flu does take a firm hold here, there is no doubt that it will spread like wildfire. But a sense of proportion must be retained. Unlike Camus’s plague, which leads to a quick and agonising death, the affliction that threatens us is milder and does not have a significant fatality rate.

Calm and focus is needed. Ultimately the answer to our problem can also be found by reading Camus. In the book, a group of medical practitioners and their associates decide to fight the disease- instead of resigning to death or succumbing to panic as many of their compatriots had. They bring a much-needed dose of optimism to an ocean of despair. Solidarity allows them to weather the storm.

I will close this post by wishing you all a very happy and relaxing Eid holidays. And remember; please exercise basic hygiene at all times.