Frontiers in Public Health (May 2022)

First Case Report of Human Plague Caused by Excavation, Skinning, and Eating of a Hibernating Marmot (Marmota himalayana)

  • Jinxiao Xi,
  • Ran Duan,
  • Zhaokai He,
  • Lei Meng,
  • Daqin Xu,
  • Yuhuang Chen,
  • Junrong Liang,
  • Guoming Fu,
  • Li Wang,
  • Hua Chun,
  • Shuai Qin,
  • Dongyue Lv,
  • Hui Mu,
  • Deming Tang,
  • Weiwei Wu,
  • Meng Xiao,
  • Huaiqi Jing,
  • Xin Wang

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.910872
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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IntroductionThe Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is considered the most plague-heavy region in China, and skinning and eating marmots (Marmota himalayana) are understood to be the main exposure factors to plague. Yersinia pestis is relatively inactive during marmots' hibernation period. However, this case report shows plague infection risk is not reduced but rather increased during the marmot hibernation period if plague exposure is not brought under control.Case PresentationThe patient was a 45-year-old man who presented with high fever, swelling of axillary lymph nodes, and existing hand wounds on his right side. Y. pestis was isolated from his blood and lymphatic fluid. Hence, the patient was diagnosed with a confirmed case of bubonic plague. Later, his condition progressed to septicemic plague. Plague exposure through wounds and delays in appropriate treatment might have contributed to plague progression.ConclusionThis case report reveals that excavating a hibernating marmot is a significant transmission route of plague. Plague prevention and control measures are priority needs during the marmot hibernation period.

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