China: Plague is back in the news

1 Death, 35 Quarantines Caused by Bubonic Plague in Inner Mongolia
Epoch News

China reported one death from bubonic plague in Baotou City, Inner Mongolia. The local health authorities announced the death case, adding that 35 people are currently under quarantine. Starting from Aug. 6, Baotou City is said to have entered a Level Three bubonic plague control state.

On Aug. 6, the Baotou Municipal Health Commission issued a notice stating that a death case occurred on Aug. 2 in Shibao Town, Daomao Banner of Baotou City. The patient displayed gastrointestinal symptoms. At present, 35 close contacts have been quarantined. It also issued a Level Three warning for plague prevention and control, which started on Aug. 6 and will remain effective until the end of the year.

Last year Inner Mongolia had the first outbreak of the Bubonic plague. At that time, China’s Health Commission reported 5 cases of infection and one death. However, the authenticity of official data has been questioned. In November last year, Voice of America quoted an information source saying that more than 300 villages in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Liaoning, and Jilin provinces were sealed off, and villagers were not allowed to enter or leave to prevent the spread of the plague. Village communications were also cut off. Armed police were guarding the entrance checkpoints.
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