The last urban outbreak of rat-associated plague in the United States occurred in Los Angeles in Flea bites. Plague bacteria are most often transmitted by the bite of an infected flea. During plague epizootics, many rodents die, causing hungry fleas to seek other sources of blood. People and animals that visit places where rodents have recently died from plague are at risk of being infected from flea bites. Dogs and cats may also bring plague-infected fleas into the home.
Flea bite exposure may result in primary bubonic plague or septicemic plague. Contact with contaminated fluid or tissue. Humans can become infected when handling tissue or body fluids of a plague-infected animal. For example, a hunter skinning a rabbit or other infected animal without using proper precautions could become infected with plague bacteria.
This form of exposure most commonly results in bubonic plague or septicemic plague. Respiratory droplets are spread most readily by coughing or sneezing. Becoming infected in this way usually requires direct and close within 6 feet contact with the ill person or animal. Pneumonic plague may also occur if a person with bubonic or septicemic plague is untreated and the bacteria spread to the lungs.
Does plague occur naturally? The World Health Organization reports 1, to 3, cases of plague worldwide every year. An average of 5 to 15 cases occur each year in the western United States. These cases are usually scattered and occur in rural to semi-rural areas. Most cases are of the bubonic form of the disease.
Naturally occurring pneumonic plague is uncommon, although small outbreaks do occur. Both types of plague are readily controlled by standard public health response measures.
Can a person exposed to pneumonic plague avoid becoming sick? People who have had close contact with an infected person can greatly reduce the chance of becoming sick if they begin treatment within 7 days of their exposure. Treatment consists of taking antibiotics for at least 7 days.
How quickly would someone get sick if exposed to plague bacteria through the air? Someone exposed to Yersinia pestis through the air—either from an intentional aerosol release or from close and direct exposure to someone with plague pneumonia—would become ill within 1 to 6 days.
Can pneumonic plague be treated? To prevent a high risk of death, antibiotics should be given within 24 hours of the first symptoms.
Several types of antibiotics are effective for curing the disease and for preventing it. Available oral medications are a tetracycline such as doxycycline or a fluoroquinolone such as ciprofloxacin.
For injection or intravenous use, streptomycin or gentamicin antibiotics are used. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Plague is a serious bacterial infection that's transmitted primarily by fleas. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert.
Rochester, Minn. Sexton DJ, et al. Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of plague Yersinia pestis infection. Plague and other Yersinia infections. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed Jan. If a person diagnosed with bubonic plague is not treated promptly, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body and cause septicemic or pneumonic plague. There is no vaccine to prevent plague.
Immunity after plague recovery is variable and may not provide complete protection. Navigation menu. Plague Last Reviewed: December What is plague? Who gets plague? How is plague spread? What are the symptoms of plague and when do they appear?
In bubonic plague, which is the most common form, one or more swollen, inflamed, tender, and painful lymph nodes called buboes develop in the body near where the infected flea bit the person. How is plague diagnosed? What is the treatment for plague?
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