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[Analysis of human plague episodes in Qinghai from 1958 to 1991]
1Qinghai Provincial Institute for Endemic Diseases Control, Xining.
Abstract:
One hundred and sixty four episodes of human plague including a total of 387 cases occurred in Qinghai Province from 1958 to 1991. The average yearly number of episodes of plague and case fatality rate were 5 including 11.7 cases and 54.26%, respectively. The sources of infection were Himalayan Marmota in 73.17% and non-rodent animal hosts in 15.85% Pneumonic type, simple bubonic type and septicemic type of plague accounted for 57.88%, 23.26% and 16.27%, respectively. However, the first case in each episode manifesting as bubonic type of plague accounted for 87.80%. Cases of plague appeared in April, then its number increased with months, and reached the peak in August. A few cases could still be seen in December.
Insights
Human plague outbreaks in Qinghai Province from 1958-1991, primarily linked to Himalayan Marmota, resulted in a high case fatality rate. Most initial cases presented as bubonic plague, peaking in August.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
Context:
- The study analyzes plague epidemiology in Qinghai Province over a 34-year period (1958-1991).
- It details the incidence, sources of infection, clinical types, and seasonality of human plague.
- This research provides historical data on plague dynamics in a specific geographic region.
Purpose:
- To document and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of human plague in Qinghai Province.
- To identify primary animal reservoirs and understand the transmission patterns.
- To describe the clinical presentation and seasonal trends of plague cases.
Summary:
- 164 plague episodes and 387 cases were recorded between 1958 and 1991.
- Himalayan Marmota were the main source (73.17%), with a high overall case fatality rate of 54.26%.
- Pneumonic plague was most common (57.88%), initial cases were typically bubonic, and outbreaks peaked in August.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant public health burden of plague in the region during the study period.
- Informs targeted surveillance and control strategies for plague, emphasizing rodent control.
- Provides valuable data for understanding zoonotic disease transmission and prevention in similar ecological settings.