Manchurian plague

Picture of Manchurian Plague victims in 1910 -1911

Plague Workers Mukden, Manchuria, 1882-ca. 1936 (imp-cswc-GB-237-CSWC47-LS8-045)

Manchurian Plague

The Manchurian Plague refers to a devastating outbreak of plague that occurred in Northeast China, historically known as Manchuria, between 1910 and 1911. This epidemic is notable for its high mortality rate and the significant impact it had on the region's population, economy, and social structure. It also played a crucial role in the development of modern public health policies and practices in China and internationally.

Background

The Manchurian Plague was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is responsible for three types of plague: bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. The outbreak in Manchuria was primarily of the pneumonic form, which is the most virulent and lethal, as it can be transmitted from person to person through airborne droplets.

Outbreak and Spread

The plague is believed to have originated from marmots, a type of large ground squirrel found in the region, which were hunted for their fur. The hunters and traders who came into contact with these infected animals were the first human victims. The disease quickly spread among the population, facilitated by the dense human settlements and the movement of people along the railway lines connecting major cities in Manchuria.

Response and Control Measures

The response to the Manchurian Plague marked one of the first instances of international cooperation in epidemic control. Chinese authorities, with assistance from foreign medical experts, implemented a series of measures to combat the spread of the disease. These included the establishment of quarantine zones, the creation of special plague hospitals, and the implementation of public health campaigns to educate the population on hygiene practices.

One of the notable figures in the fight against the plague was Dr. Wu Lien-teh, a Malayan-born physician educated at Cambridge University in England. Dr. Wu was instrumental in identifying the pneumonic nature of the plague and advocated for the use of cotton face masks to prevent its spread, a practice that proved to be highly effective and is considered a precursor to modern infection control measures.

Impact

The Manchurian Plague had a profound impact on the region, with an estimated death toll of over 60,000 people. The epidemic also had significant economic consequences, disrupting trade and leading to a temporary halt in the fur industry, which was a key economic activity in Manchuria at the time.

In addition to its immediate effects, the outbreak highlighted the need for improved public health infrastructure and led to the establishment of the North Manchurian Plague Prevention Service. This event also contributed to the advancement of epidemiology and public health as scientific disciplines, with the publication of comprehensive reports and studies on the outbreak.

Legacy

The Manchurian Plague remains a significant event in the history of public health and epidemiology. It demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in combating infectious diseases and laid the groundwork for modern practices in disease prevention and control. The outbreak also underscored the need for ongoing research into infectious diseases and the development of public health policies to address future epidemics.