3 DIE OF PNEUMONIC PLAGUE

Three people have died of pneumonic plague in north-western China where a town of more than 10,000 people has been sealed off. Pneumonic plague, which attacks the lungs, can spread from person to person or from animals to people. The men that died were neighbours in the town of Ziketan in Qinghai Province. About 10 other people inside the town have so far contracted the disease, according to state media. No-one is being allowed leave the area, and the authorities are trying to track down people who had contact with the men who died. Initial symptoms of pneumonic plague include fever, headache and shortness of breath.