In the early 20th century, a devastating plague began in the small border town of Manzhouli, near the China-Russia border. This outbreak lasted over six months, sweeping through half of China and claiming more than 60,000 lives. Amid the chaos, Dr. Wu Lien-teh emerged as a hero, saving Northeast China with his pioneering medical interventions.
The outbreak and initial challenges
In December 1910, the plague began to spread rapidly. The medical community, influenced by the discovery of the plague bacterium in 1894, believed fleas transmitted it from infected rats. However, the disease in Northeast China presented differently, raising questions about its nature.
Dr. Wu Lien-teh, a Cambridge-educated medical doctor, was called upon to investigate. On December 2, 1910, he performed China’s first-ever human autopsy, confirming the presence of the plague bacterium. He identified this as a new, more dangerous form of pneumonic plague, which could spread through respiratory droplets.
Dr. Wu Lien-teh’s background
Born in Malaysia in 1879 to a Chinese father and a Hakka mother, Wu Lien-teh excelled academically. He won the prestigious Queen’s Scholarship, allowing him to study bacteriology and infectious diseases at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He became the first Chinese graduate of Cambridge University and earned multiple degrees, including a doctorate in medicine.
Despite his credentials, international experts initially dismissed Wu’s findings from Russia, Japan, and France. A prominent Japanese doctor even ridiculed the concept of pneumonic plague. However, the situation worsened as the plague spread along railway lines, reaching cities such as Harbin, Changchun, and Shenyang.
Implementing drastic measures
With escalating infections and international tensions, Wu Lien-teh proposed radical measures to contain the plague. He requested permission from the Qing government to burn the bodies of plague victims, a practice contrary to traditional Chinese customs of respecting the deceased.
Initially met with outrage, Wu’s request was eventually approved after the death of an international expert, Professor Mesny, who contracted the plague while visiting patients. This tragic event shifted public opinion, and Wu was granted the authority to implement his strategies.
Wu Lien-teh’s comprehensive approach included isolating patients, burning infected bodies, and distributing masks to prevent airborne transmission. He designed a special mask based on surgical masks, which later influenced the development of modern N95 respirators.
The measures proved effective. By March 1, 1911, Harbin reported zero deaths from the plague. Other cities in Northeast China soon followed, marking a significant victory over the epidemic.
Legacy and recognition
Dr. Wu Lien-teh’s successful containment of the plague earned him international acclaim. The Qing Dynasty awarded him high honors, including the title of Medical Doctor of the Imperial Court and military ranks. Foreign governments also recognized him, receiving medals and honorary titles from Russia and France.
Dr. Wu Lien-teh’s innovative public health strategies and unwavering dedication saved countless lives during the 1910-11 plague outbreak in Northeast China. His legacy continues to influence modern public health practices, demonstrating the power of science and determination in combating infectious diseases.
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