Contaminated factory discharge causes disease outbreak in Gansu

Tiny solid and liquid particles infected with Brucellosis which were discharged from a vaccine manufacturer caused an outbreak of the disease in northwest China’s Gansu Province, local health authorities said on Thursday.

As of 4pm on December 25, 181 out of 671 students and faculty at the Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have tested positive for Brucellosis, an infectious bacterial disease caused by brucella, the Health Commission of Gansu Province said on its website.

Only one person among the 181 showed symptoms, and others didn't have any discomfort, the statement said.

Investigations found that from July 24 to August 20, 2019, fine solid particles and liquid droplets were discharged from China Husbandry Biological Medicine which is located next to the veterinary research institution, as the factory failed to disinfect thoroughly during its production of the Brucellosis vaccine for animals, according to the statement.

Facilities producing the vaccines were shut down on December 7, 2019.

Another 22 people from Lanzhou University in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu, were also confirmed with the disease. Six of them had been to the veterinary research institution in July.

The vaccine producer was ordered to conduct an internal investigation and its facilities cannot resume production until after they pass inspections by local authorities.

Brucellosis, also known as the Mediterranean fever, is an infectious bacterial disease transmitted by contact with infected livestock, including cattle and sheep. It is characterized by fever, malaise and headaches.

The local health commission said the risk of human-to-human transmission of brucella is minimal.