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Bubonic plague in China
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Bubonic plague in China
Bubonic plague outbreak in China, in Tientsin (now Tianjin): people wrapped up to try to protect themselves from the plague, possibly carrying out some sort of fumigation procedure. Date: 1911
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Media ID 14118427
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Bubonic Disease Diseases Outbreak Plague Plagues Tianjin Tientsin
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph taken in 1911, the grim reality of the Bubonic plague outbreak in China's Tientsin (now Tianjin) is on full display. The image captures a group of Chinese residents, huddled together in a desperate attempt to protect themselves from the deadly disease. Wrapped in layers of clothing and wearing masks, they seem to be carrying out some sort of fumigation procedure, using what appears to be burning herbs or incense. The Bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, had been ravaging China since 1894, but the outbreak in Tientsin in 1911 was particularly severe. The disease, which is transmitted by fleas that live on rodents, was spreading rapidly through the crowded and unsanitary conditions of the city. The Chinese population was terrified, and many believed that traditional methods, such as fumigation with herbs and burning incense, could offer some protection against the disease. The photograph offers a poignant glimpse into the fear and uncertainty that gripped China during this period. The people in the image are not just individuals, but representatives of a community that was struggling to cope with a devastating disease. The fact that they are huddled together, despite the risk of infection, speaks to the power of human connection and the desire for community support during times of crisis. The Bubonic plague outbreak in Tientsin was eventually brought under control, but it left a deep scar on the Chinese population. The experience of the plague shaped Chinese attitudes towards public health and hygiene, and led to the establishment of modern disease control measures. Today, the image serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and of the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
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