宁夏银川发现输入性鼠疫病例，启动四级响应：揭开鼠疫神秘面纱
在宁夏银川，一起输入性鼠疫的报告引发了紧张的情绪，这不仅让当地政府迅速启动了四级响应，还促使人们对这场古老而又恐怖的疾病——鼠疫——重新关注。那么，什么是鼠疫？它有多严重？
首先，我们必须认识到鼠疫是一种由细菌引起的烈性传染病，它广泛存在于野生啮齿类动物中，如家兔和旱獭等。在这些动物体内，鼠疫以一种自然流行状态存在，但一旦它跳跃到人类身上，病情会迅速发展。如果不及时得到治疗，即使使用抗生素，也可能导致死亡。
mouse lifespan, the mystery of rodents: a deadly journey through history
Mousepox, like a silent killer, lurks in the shadows, waiting to strike. Its symptoms are as elusive as a cat's first pounce on its prey. It may start with mild fever and fatigue, but can escalate into a life-threatening disease in no time.
The spread of mousepox is as cunning as a cat stalking its prey. There are three main routes of transmission: by flea bite (the most common), direct contact with infected animals or their tissues (such as undercooked meat), and airborne transmission from the respiratory secretions of patients or animals.
Is mousepox terrifying? In recent years, thanks to the efforts of health workers nationwide, the number of people infected with mousepox has been reduced to single digits! Once upon a time, however, mousepox was humanity's greatest fear - from common folk to royal courts. The disease had three major outbreaks throughout history when there were no effective treatments available; each outbreak was devastatingly fatal.
In ancient China,
"East death mice,
West death mice,
People see dead mice like seeing tigers;
Dead mice do not last long,
Humans die like clogged roads.
Daylight dies people,
Don't ask for numbers,
Clouds protect grief."
Shidou Nan
"The Death Mouse"
Where does mousepox exist? Look at the map below and color in areas where animals that can transmit mousepox are present. Be cautious while traveling to these regions and avoid contact with rodents or fleas.
Internationally,
mouse pox exists on every continent except Antarctica. Recently, it has primarily occurred in Africa - popular tourist destinations such as Madagascar have seen cases arise. For more information refer to WHO travel advisories.
Suffering from mousepox will show various symptoms:
Bubonic plague: Fever over 39°C accompanied by swollen lymph nodes usually located in armpits or groin.
Pneumonic plague: High fever accompanied by chest pain and difficulty breathing which may result in coughing up blood.
Other forms such as skin plague and ocular plague are less common but still possible.
How soon after exposure does one develop symptoms?
Symptoms typically appear within 1-9 days after exposure.
If you suspect you have contracted mousepox:
Isolate yourself immediately.
Call emergency services at 120 or 999 telling them your suspicion that you might be suffering from rodent-borne illness.
Describe your condition accurately before help arrives.
Seek medical attention if unable to reach healthcare professionals quickly.
Remember that hospitals must report any suspected case so treatment will be provided promptly despite location.
For those who've come into contact with someone experiencing symptoms:
Keep distance if they become ill themselves
If necessary wear masks
Wash hands frequently
To prevent diseases transmitted by rodents:
Avoid touching wild rodents
Do not eat raw meat especially rabbit meat
Wash hands frequently
Kill rats at home
By understanding this ancient yet modern threat we hope our readers take steps towards prevention & stay safe!