Third pneumonic plague death reported in Qinghai

A third person in Ziketan, Qinghai has died of pneumonic plague, according to the AP. The latest victim, a 64-year-old man was a neighbor of the two herdsmen who passed away earlier this week. Authorities have been scrambling to make sure this outbreak doesn't spread - medical staff have begun disinfecting the area, killing rats, insects and fleas that can be carriers for the bacteria and police have set up checkpoints around Ziketan. Good thing too, the third death caused a bit of a panic and several residents tried to flee the area. If you're curious about the facts surrounding pneumonic plague (and how it differs from the more infamous bubonic plague), Chicago Tribune had a pretty great write up.