smileband health topics

Plague is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis, and circulates among rabbits and rodent populations. Symptoms can include:

• fever
• headache
• weakness
• pain or swelling of the groin, armpit or neck.

Plague infections in people can occur in three forms: bubonic, septicemic, or pneumonic, depending on route of exposure. Bubonic plague or septicemic plague often results from flea bites or contact with infected animal fluids or tissues. People with bubonic plague can develop swollen, tender lymph nodes called “buboes”. Septicemic plague is more severe, and causes bleeding into the skin and other tissues. Skin and tissue necrosis can also occur, especially on the fingers, toes, and nose. Pneumonic plague often results when a person breathes in infectious droplets. People can experience shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, pneumonia, and respiratory failure.

 

In Arizona, plague is found in most areas of Arizona above 4,500 feet elevation and activity occurs in prairie dog, ground squirrel, and rat populations.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 0 cases

 

Transmission

Plague is spread by the bite of infected fleas. Plague can also be spread through direct contact with blood or tissues of infected rodents, rabbits, or other animals. It is possible for pneumonic plague to be spread from person to person (e.g. coughing). Isolation Precautions

Standard and droplet precautions are recommended in healthcare settings. 

Prevention for Patients
Prevention methods include:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead animals, especially rodents and rabbits.
• Stay away from rodent burrows.
• Reduce rodent habitats around home and work environments.
• Remove brush, rock piles, firewood, and possible food sources.
• Do not feed wildlife, including rodents.
• Wear insect repellant to keep fleas away when hiking or working in areas where plague might be active.
• Always wear protective equipment, including gloves and mask, when handling wildlife in the field (e.g. skinning and cleaning game).
• Keep fleas off pets by using flea prevention for cats and dogs.

Public Health Actions
Environmental partners should be notified to determine source of exposure and potential animal die-off. 

Public health will conduct an epidemiological investigation on a case or suspect case. 

Public health will follow-up with pneumonic plague contacts for seven days after last exposure to the case.