China reports fresh case of Bubonic plague in its northern province bordering Mongolia, issues a 3 level epidemic alert.
Health officials in China have reported a fresh case of Bubonic plague, one of the worst hit epidemic which ravaged the world generally called ‘The Black Death’. The case is reported in Bayana, a town in inner Mongolia province in northern China.
The man, a local herdsman is reportedly diagnosed on Sunday with Bubonic plague and has been kept under quarantine. The local municipal authorities have issued a level 3 alert to refrain from hunting, transport or consume any infected animals and to practice preventive measures to contain the further spread of the disease.
According to an inter agency report, two brothers were infected early last week in Mongolia who ate marmot meat. Officials have sealed the village in inner Mongolia to contain its spread. A 15-year-old boy is reportedly to have lost his life due to the Bubonic infection in the region of Govi-Altailast month.
Mongolian health official, Dorj Narangerel warned against eating any rodent meat due to the outbreak. He said, “The marmot plague is very toxic. We urge you to pay special attention to the fact that the pulmonary form of the disease is just as rapid as the coronavirus infection – but it is a disease that can kill people very quickly.”
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How Does Bubonic Plague Spread?
Bubonic plague is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, It spreads to a healthy person from the bites of infected fleas and also contract the disease through the contact with tissues or fluids from infected animals.
How Severe Is The Bubonic Plague?
Once a person is infected, the lymph node gets inflamed and becomes tense. This is called ‘Bubo’ according to WHO. If not treated further, the lymph node turns into a sore with puss formation. In severe advanced cases, they can cause infection in the lungs as well. The fatality rate ranges between 30% to 100%.
Bubonic Plague: The killer ‘Black Death’ of The Middle Ages
Bubonic plague was so rampant in the middle ages that it almost killed millions of people during the 14th century between 1346 to 1353 and reduced a major population across Europe and Asia.
Best Prevention Practices
Make your home and surroundings rodent proof. Handle any dead animals with disposable gloves. Use repellents while outdoor activities like hiking. Apply flea control products on your pets that may likely come in contact with infected animals.
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