Pneumonic plague outbreak reported in China.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a reported outbreak of pneumonic plague in China, with participants expressing concerns about its potential spread, fatality rates, and the availability of vaccines. The conversation includes reactions to the outbreak and comparisons to previous viral outbreaks.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express alarm about the pneumonic plague outbreak, suggesting it could lead to thousands or millions of cases worldwide.
  • Questions are raised regarding the fatality rate of pneumonic plague and the existence of vaccines to protect against it.
  • One participant cites that early antibiotic treatment is crucial for survival, noting that without treatment, the mortality rate approaches 100%.
  • Another participant challenges the severity of the claims, pointing out that only one death has been reported so far.
  • Some participants reference a British comedy series in a humorous context, indicating a mix of seriousness and levity in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are competing views on the severity of the outbreak and its potential impact, with some expressing significant concern and others downplaying the situation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the actual number of infections and deaths outside the reported area, as well as the effectiveness of preventive measures and treatments.

The_Absolute
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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iLFGFVYaEEFibpJ7MThpiQsgInWQD99QH66G0

First the bird flu, then the swine flu, now the Pneumonic plague. God knows what's next..
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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yawn!

The_Absolute said:
First the bird flu, then the swine flu, now the Pneumonic plague. God knows what's next..

Pneumatic plague :redface:

everyone feels tired! :biggrin:
 
The_Absolute said:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iLFGFVYaEEFibpJ7MThpiQsgInWQD99QH66G0

First the bird flu, then the swine flu, now the Pneumonic plague. God knows what's next..

Wer'e doomed......doomed.:cry::eek::bugeye::biggrin:
 
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Dadface said:
Wer'e doomed......doomed.:cry::eek::bugeye::biggrin:

I don't think that plague is just limited to that tiny town in China. In the coming days, I expect to hear Thousands of new cases, and then Millions in the months following. What is the fatality rate of the Pneumonic plague? Are there any existing vaccines which will protect against it? Are Hundreds of Millions or perhaps Billions of people going to die from this plague?
 
The_Absolute said:
I don't think that plague is just limited to that tiny town in China. In the coming days, I expect to hear Thousands of new cases, and then Millions in the months following. What is the fatality rate of the Pneumonic plague? Are there any existing vaccines which will protect against it? Are Hundreds of Millions or perhaps Billions of people going to die from this plague?

I wasn't downplaying the threat I was quoting from a classic British comedy T.V. series called Dads Army.One of the characters always said the above when there was apparent danger.I don't know the answer to any of your questions.
 
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The_Absolute said:
I don't think that plague is just limited to that tiny town in China. In the coming days, I expect to hear Thousands of new cases, and then Millions in the months following. What is the fatality rate of the Pneumonic plague? Are there any existing vaccines which will protect against it? Are Hundreds of Millions or perhaps Billions of people going to die from this plague?

Wiki has good links supporting the following

Pneumonic plague is a very aggressive infection requiring rapid antibiotic treatment within around 24 hours of infection.

Early treatment of pneumonic plague is essential. To reduce the chance of death, antibiotics must be given within 24 hours of first symptoms.[1] Streptomycin, gentamicin, tetracyclines, and chloramphenicol are all effective against pneumonic plague.

Antibiotic treatment for 7 days will protect people who have had direct, close contact with infected patients. Wearing a close-fitting surgical mask also protects against infection.[1]

Without treatment, the mortality rate from pneumonic plague approaches 100%.[2]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumonic_plague
 
The_Absolute said:
I don't think that plague is just limited to that tiny town in China. In the coming days, I expect to hear Thousands of new cases, and then Millions in the months following. What is the fatality rate of the Pneumonic plague? Are there any existing vaccines which will protect against it? Are Hundreds of Millions or perhaps Billions of people going to die from this plague?
This is really getting old, you start these threads making ridiculous claims. One person died.
 
Evo said:
This is really getting old, you start these threads making ridiculous claims. One person died.

Have there been any reported infections/deaths outside that small rural town in China?
 

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