Earlier this month on 1 July, China had reported the first case of bubonic plague. The cases reported were that of a 26-year old man and his little brother, who lived in Khovd Province of Western Mongolia, China. A level III warning of plague prevention and control was issued in the city of Bayannur, Inner circle, as soon as the news broke out.
Furthermore, the Chinese government had taken precautions and isolated over 146 people who came in contact with the plague patients. Also, the Chinese government urged its people to stay away from meats of animals which can act as a carrier of bubonic plague.
What is Bubonic Plague?
According to WHO, bubonic plague is caused by a bacteria called Yersinia pestis. The host bodies for the bacteria are mammals and rat fleas. Moreover, the bacteria can only travel among animals or from animals to humans. Its direct human to human transmission is quite rare.
Yersinia pestis is a smart bacteria which kills a person by cutting off the body’s connection with its immune system. You can get infected with bubonic plague if you come in contact with infected droplets, unprotected contact with contagious body fluids, or if an infected vector flee bites you.
Bubonic Plague Death in China:
Today Chinese health ministry announced that a 15-year old boy died in Western Mongolia due to bubonic plague after consumption of marmot meat. The health ministry also reported that 15 other people who were in contact with the boy have been released from quarantine and are recovering well.
Moreover, another person infected with black death in the inner circle of Western Mongolia is recovering well.
Taking a quick apprehension of the bubonic plague issue, the Chinese government has warned its citizens to stay away from marmot meats, and report any dead animals till the end of 2020.