In Inner Mongolia, China, authorities have quarantined a small village following the death of a resident from bubonic plague. None of the approximately 30 villagers have tested positive, but all remain isolated. This marks the second case in the region this year.
Bubonic plague, the most prevalent form in natural settings, typically spreads via flea bites carrying the bacterium Yersinia pestis from rats or small mammals. Historically, it devastated populations, including the Plague of Justinian in the 6th century and the Black Death, which killed about a third of Europe in the 14th century.
As reported by CNN on August 7, 2020, the fatal case occurred in Suji Xincun village, Inner Mongolia. The victim succumbed to cardiovascular failure. Common symptoms include painful lymph node swelling, cough, and fever.
Baotou health officials confirmed the quarantine of 35 villagers: 9 direct contacts and 26 secondary ones. Daily disinfection measures are ongoing to halt potential spread.
Bubonic plague responds well to antibiotics if diagnosed and treated promptly within hours of infection. No other villagers in Suji Xincun are affected so far. This follows a July 2020 case in nearby Bayannur, where a shepherd recovered after hospitalization.
Genetic studies from the Max Planck Institute indicate the plague dates back 4,000 years. Though no major epidemics occur today, the WHO notes 1,000–2,000 annual cases worldwide, classifying it as a re-emerging disease.
