Chinese authorities have confirmed the presence of bubonic plague said to be caused by rodents in one of its cities.

This development is coming amidst worries and attempts by the world to curb further spread of the coronavirus disease which is believed to have originated from Wuhan in China.

Chinese authorities in Inner Mongolia issued an alert after a hospital reported a case of suspected bubonic plague, from a herdsman suspected to have been infected.

Bubonic plague is a rare but serious bacterial infection that is transmitted by fleas from rodents.

Health authorities in the area, however, added that it has activated plague-prevention measures that would remain in force till the end of 2020

The patient has also been isolated and is receiving treatment in a local hospital, where he is said to be stable.

Members of the public have been urged to “report any findings of killed or dead marmots and other animals, and report suspected plague cases, high fever patients with unknown reasons and patients dying from sudden deaths”.

The health commission in the Chinese city also warned residents in the area to prevent people-to-people infection by desisting from hunting and killing animals that could cause plague infections.

According to health experts, a person infected with bubonic plague will experience the following symptoms: swollen lymph nodes, which can be as large as chicken eggs, in the groin, armpit, or neck. Others include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. (Agency report)