More than 600 victims of a pharmaceutical leak in the Chinese city of Lanzhou have taken their case to court in a bid to seek lifelong medical treatment, as they argued the compensation given by the factory that caused the leak was too low.The Zhongmu Lanzhou biological pharmaceutical factory used expired disinfectant when producing animal brucellosis vaccines between July 24 and Aug. 20 last year. The exhaust fumes from the factory contained an aerosolized version of the brucella bacteria, causing the infection of 10,528 people who lived nearby.

A group of 604 victims have signed up for a lawsuit against the factory to demand fees for lifelong treatment, and a legal representative has been appointed. Some victims have developed a chronic disease due to delay in treatment and it may take up to ten years for them to fully recover, they said.

The victims argued the 7,571 yuan (US$1,157) compensation given by the factory was low as it would not even be enough for one treatment. Under a leaked compensation agreement, the factory would pay 1,271 yuan for lost working fees, 300 yuan for transport and 6,000 yuan for psychological consolation.

The disease, also known as Malta fever or Mediterranean fever, causes flu-like symptoms including fever, sweat, headache, physical weakness, pain and fatigue. The brain, heart, liver, spleen and other organs or body systems may be affected in cases of severe infections.

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