Pneumonic plague strikes Western China
A rare, virulent pneumonic plague has been reported in a remote town in Western China. It is caused by bacterium Yersinia pestis which are usually found within rodents and fleas that can infect humans and animals through contact. However, it is much more potent than the bubonic plague which killed millions in Europe during the Middle Ages.
The pneumonic plague infects the lungs when one inhales the Yersinia pestis or by the spreading of septicemic plague from bloodstream into the lung tissue. The plague is transmitted through respiratory droplets and typically requires direct contact with the required human/animal.
Common Symptoms include:
- Flu-like Fever
- Weakness
- Body Pain
- Headaches
- Chest Pain
- Bloody or watery disraches from respiratory passages/saliva
- Shortness of breath
The victims came from the town Ziketan which is a Qinghia province, populated by 10,000 residents, most of whom are Tibetans. The first victim was a 32- year old herdsman who acquired the disease through his dog who was apparently infected by a flea. The pneumonic plague is called the most virulent plague due to its lethal ability to kill the average human within the first 24 hours. The first victim died in four days after acquiring the disease. The plague has the ability to quickly spread apparent by the death of the victims neighbor. Nine other people were also infected and are under the observation of Tibetan Hospital of Xinghai county.
However, the outbreak of pneumonic plague is not an epidemic as authorities have sealed off the town to thwart its spreading. Moreover, the
A police officer guards a hospital containing the few victims infected by the pneumonic plague in China.
residents of Ziketan were told to disinfect their homes and shops and should maintain caution by wearing masks. Due to this outbreak, almost 80% of the shops were closed and the prices of disinfectant and food have tripled, stated by a food seller in Ziketan.
There have been many sporadic outbreaks during the recent years in Africa and China (mostly Tibetan areas). Two other cases in Qinghai were reported during 2001 and 2004 and a couple of Tibetans were killed last year by the pneumonic plague.
A Beijing-based WHO spokeswoman Vivian Tan told the reporters that, “This is not new. There have been sporadic cases reported [in China] over the years. We’re not surprised that it’s come up. We’re in constant contact with the authorities to make sure things are under control.”
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