The risks are generally highest in rural and semi-rural areas, including homes that provide food and shelter for various ground squirrels, chipmunks and wood rats, or other areas where you may encounter rodents.
A plague vaccine is not available. New plague vaccines are in development but are not expected to be commercially available in the immediate future. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Frequently Asked Questions.
Minus Related Pages. On This Page. What is plague? How do people become infected with plague? What are the different forms of plague? What is the basic transmission cycle of plague? Could one person get plague from another person? What is the incubation period for plague? How is plague diagnosed? How many cases of plague occur in the United States? What is the death rate of plague? How is plague treated? Is the disease seasonal in its occurrence? Where is plague most common in the United States?
Who is at risk for getting plague in the United States? They are destroyed by sunlight, heat and drying. You may also be able to reduce your risk of illness if you remove your clothing and take a shower, within the first hour after being exposed.
However, you would still need to take antibiotics as a preventive measure. All forms of plague can be treated with antibiotics.
However, people with pneumonic plague must be treated within 24 hours after they develop symptoms. However, if you have any reason to believe that you may have been exposed, talk to your doctor immediately. If you see any suspicious situations or activity in your community — including possible use of disease germs as weapons — alert your local law enforcement agency. Please report any suspected cases of bioterrorism diseases or symptoms immediately by telephone to MDH at or This algorithm is combined with simple planning, training, and exercise tools that facilities can use and modify to ensure preparedness components are in place and regulatory requirements are met.
This Toolbox will be continually updated in response to user needs. The recommendations in this Toolbox are meant to create a standard for Minnesota Frontline facilities and are not regulatory. Plague Facts On this page: What is plague?
There are three kinds of plague: Bubonic plague is the most common form of the disease in nature, accounting for percent of cases. Pneumonic plague is the most severe form of the illness — but the least common in nature.
It accounts for fewer than 14 percent of cases. However, this is believed to be the form of plague most likely to result from a terrorist attack. It occurs when the bacteria enter the lungs, which quickly causes a severe form of pneumonia. Worldwide, plague is most common in rural and semirural parts of Africa especially the African island of Madagascar , South America and Asia. The plague bacteria, Yersinia pestis, is transmitted to humans through the bites of fleas that have previously fed on infected animals, such as:.
The bacteria can also enter your body if a break in your skin comes into contact with an infected animal's blood. Domestic cats and dogs can become infected with plague from flea bites or from eating infected rodents. Pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs, is spread by inhaling infectious droplets coughed into the air by a sick animal or person. The risk of developing plague is very low. Worldwide, only a few thousand people develop plague each year.
However, your plague risk can be increased depending on the area where you live and travel, your job, and your hobbies.
Plague outbreaks are most common in rural and semirural areas that are overcrowded, have poor sanitation and have a high rodent population. The greatest number of human plague infections occur in Africa, especially the African island of Madagascar.
Plague has also been transmitted to humans in parts of Asia and South America. In the United States, plague is rare, but it has been known to occur in several western and southwestern states — primarily New Mexico, Arizona, California and Colorado.
Veterinarians and their assistants have a higher risk of coming into contact with domestic cats and dogs that may have become infected with plague. People who work outdoors in areas where plague-infected animals are common are also at higher risk of getting plague.
Camping, hunting or hiking in areas where plague-infected animals reside can increase your risk of being bitten by an infected flea. No effective vaccine is available, but scientists are working to develop one. Antibiotics can help prevent infection if you're at risk of or have been exposed to plague. Take the following precautions if you live or spend time in areas where plague outbreaks occur:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
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