Human plague has been reported in the following six states as of April 2015:
- Arizona (two)
- California (one)
- Colorado (four)
- Georgia (one)
- New Mexico (two)
- Oregon (one).
The Georgia and California cases have been linked to exposures at or near Yosemite National Park. Three patients ages 16, 52, and 79 years have died as a result of the plague.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, plague is a rare, life-threatening, flea-borne zoonosis caused by Yersinia pestis. Plague is found among wild rodents and their fleas in rural areas in the western United States. Infections occur through the bite of infected fleas, through body fluids or tissues, or inhalation of respiratory droplets from infected people or animals. Plague symptoms include a sudden fever and malaise, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
There are three main forms of plague.
- Bubonic: results froma flea bite and accounts for approximately 80- 85 percent of cases. Patients develop a painful swelling of one or several lymph nodes that worsens.
- Septicemic: accounts for approximately 10 percent of cases and often results from a flea bite or contact with infectious fluids. The infection spreads through the bloodstream with no localizing signs.
- Primary pneumonic: approximately 3 percent of cases. The result of aerosol exposure to infectious droplets and is characterized by a fulminant primary pneumonia. Secondary pneumonic plague is the spread of Y. pestis to the lungs in patients with untreated bubonic or septicemic plague.
Treatment includes antimicrobials such as aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, or doxycycline. Thanks to modern treatment, the mortality rate is at 16 percent.
People participating in outdoor activities in areas where plague is present should use as much clothing as possible and insect repellent on both clothing and skin. Persons should avoid contact with ill or dead animals and never feed squirrels, chipmunks, or other rodents. Pet owners should use flea control on their pets and consult a veterinarian if their pet is shows signs of being sick.
To see how the plague is affecting your region, click here.
