Pneumonic plague claims one after 18 years, what you need to know about this 'rare infection'

Health officials confirmed the death of one person due to pneumonic plague in Arizona. This is the first recorded death in Arizona's Coconino County after 2007  when an individual had an interaction with a dead animal infected with the disease. 

Does that mean a revival of the rare infection? As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on an average, seven human plague cases are reported each year in the United States. The risk to the public of exposure to plague remains low. 

What causes pneumonic plague?

Pneumonic plague is a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium. This bacterium can be transmitted to animals through bites from infected fleas. The disease can be transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected flea or through contact with an infected animal.

Health officials say he risk of human-to-human transmission is very low. According to the National Institutes of Health, the last reported occurrence of human-to-human transmission was reported in 1924. The infection is spread typically through respiratory droplets. 

How to prevent exposure to the infection?

-Try to avoid contact with wild animals. Never feed or handle wild rodents and avoid areas where they are known to live. Avoid touching sick or dead animals.

-Avoid fleas. Use an insect repellent and tuck pant cuffs into your socks to help prevent flea bites.

-Use veterinarian-approved flea treatments on pets, keep them on a leash, and keep them out of areas known to be inhabited by wild rodents.

-Report to the concerned authorities about prairie dog die-offs. Prairie dogs are highly susceptible to plague but are not considered a long-term reservoir of the disease. 

-Prevent rodent infestations by keeping your neighbourhood neat.

-Seek veterinary care for sick pets.

Consult a doctor for more information. 

Health