The Centre for Health Protection urges travellers to be vigilant after a couple died of pneumonic plague in Linzhi in Xizang province.

They came down with symptoms September 14 and 23. The 35-year-old husband died September 20 along with his 38-year-old wife five days later.

The centre is liaising with the Ministry of Health for more information, while the Department of Health's Port Health Office has alerted the travel industry about the case.

Pneumonic plague is highly contagious and is spread by inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person. The incubation period is one to four days. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough with blood-stained sputum and shortness of breath. Death can occur rapidly without immediate treatment.

People travelling to areas with plague cases should wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to avoid being bitten by fleas and apply insect repellent.