overview
The plague is a serious bacterial infection that mainly spreads through fleas. The plague organism Yersinia pestis lives in small rodents that are most common in rural and semi-rural areas of Africa, Asia, and the United States. The organism is transmitted to people who are challenged by fleas that have fed on infected rodents or by people who handle infected animals.
Known as the Black Death in the Middle Ages, the plague now affects fewer than 5,000 people each year worldwide. It can be fatal if not treated quickly with antibiotics. The most common form of the plague leads to swollen, tender lymph nodes – called bubos – in the groin, armpits or neck. The rarest and deadliest form of the plague affects the lungs and can spread from person to person.
symptom
The plague is divided into three main types – bumps, septicemia, and pneumonia – depending on the part of the body affected. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the type of plague.
bubonic plague
The bubonic plague is the most common type of the disease. It is named for the swollen lymph nodes (bubos) that usually develop within the first week after infection. The bubbles can be:
- Located in the groin, armpit or neck
- About the size of a hen’s egg
- Soft and firm to the touch
The reasons
The plague bacteria, Yersinia pestis, are transmitted to humans through flea bites that have previously fed on infected animals, e.g.
- advice
- mouse
- squirrel
- Rabbits
- Prairie dogs
- Chipmunks
- vole
Risk factors
The risk of developing a plague is very low. Only a few thousand people worldwide fall ill with the plague each year. However, your risk of plague may be increased depending on where you live and travel, your work, and your hobbies.
- place
- Plague epidemics are more common in rural and semi-rural areas that are overcrowded, have poor sanitation, and have high rodent populations. Most human plague infections occur in Africa, particularly on the African island of Madagascar. The plague was also transmitted to humans in parts of Asia and South America.
The plague is rare in the United States, but has been known to occur in several western and southwestern states, mainly New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Colorado.
prevention
No effective vaccine is available, but scientists are working to develop one. Antibiotics can help prevent infection if you are at risk or have been exposed to a plague. Take the following precautions if you live or spend time in areas prone to plague outbreaks:
Protect your home from rodents. Remove potential nesting areas such as piles of brushes, rocks, firewood, and trash. Do not leave pet food in areas easily accessible to rodents. If you see a rodent infestation, take steps to control it.
Keep your pets free of fleas. Ask your veterinarian which flea products work best.
Wear gloves. Wear gloves when handling potentially infected animals to prevent contact between your skin and harmful bacteria.
Use insect repellent. Closely supervise your children and pets when spending time outdoors in areas with high rodent populations. Use insect repellent.