XINING, Oct. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Nineteen plague cases, including eight deaths, have been reported in northwest China's Qinghai Province, local health authority announced here Wednesday.

    The 11 who survived have been cured of the disease, according to a circular issued by the provincial health department.

    The cases were reported in several villages in Ulan and Nangqen counties of Qinghai Province between Oct. 4 and 9. The majority ofthem were farmers and herdsmen who caught the disease by hunting or eating rodents.

    After the epidemic occurred, the Ministry of Health sent a work team to the affected areas for medical guidance. The Qinghai provincial health department took a series of measures to distribute medicine and curb the spread of the disease.

    As the disease has been contained, medical quarantine in Ulan and Nangqen counties has been lifted. Life and production at the affected areas have returned to normal. Enditem