Looks like Ziketan is officially no longer a Ground Zero for pneumonic plague now that China has lifted the quarantine blockade around the Qinghai town. Though the outbreak has claimed three victims, no new infections had been reported for over a week and authorities decided it was time to end the quarantine. The disease had traveled to humans through a wild marmot, which came in contact with a dog, which later died. The dog's owner, a 32-year-old herdsman, became infected by fleas while burying his pet. It spread to his family and neighborhood, killing his father-in-law and neighbor. Nine other people are still hospitalized. Source: AFP more ›

Is this why the Shanghai government is freaking out with its new dog regulations? Its now suspected that a canine companion was the origin of the outbreak of pneumonic plague in Qinghai province. The dead dog most likely ate a plague-infected marmot. His owner then became infected while burying his dog and his relatives and neighbors became infected by coming near him without taking protective measures. So far three people in Ziketan have died, one patient is in critical condition, seven others have been confirmed infected and over 100,000 have been quarantined. Source: SCMP (paywalled) more ›

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. more ›

Thousands of people in Qinghai province have been placed under quarantine after two men died and 11 others were confirmed infected with pneumonic plague. The first victim, a 32-year-old herdsman in Ziketan, died over the weekend. His 37-year-old neighbor was the second casualty. Pneumonic plague, which can be spread through coughing, is caused by the same bacteria that occurs in bubonic plague and considered even more dangerous since it could kill 24 hours after infection. The Qinghai health bureau has now stated that anyone who has visited Ziketan and the surrounding areas since July 16 needs to seek treatment immediately if they've developed a fever or a cough. Source: Bloomberg more ›