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Plague is a naturally occurring, flea transmitted disease of rodents and rabbits caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Infected rodents usually die, leaving plague-infected fleas, which then find new rodent or human hosts.
Where has plague been found in Bernalillo County?
Plague infected animals and human cases have occurred mainly in mountainous eastern Bernalillo County and in the western foothills of the Sandias.
How is it contracted?
Humans can contract plague in three ways:
- By the bite of plague infected fleas.
- By handling plague infected tissues of sick or dead animals.
- By inhaling infected droplets from pneumonic patients.
When is plague season?
Plague season usually runs from May through September when rodents, fleas, and people are most active outdoors.
What are some the animals that are carriers of plague?
Rock squirrels
Woodrats
Prairie dogs
Mice
Gophers
Wild rabbits
Domestic dogs and cats
What are the human types of plague and related symptoms?
Bubonic Plague:
Bubonic plague is the most common form of human plague. It results from flea bites or direct contact with infected animal tissue. Symptoms of Bubonic plague develop after an incubation period of 2-6 days.
Symptoms include:
- Swollen and tender lymph glands (groin, armpit, or neck area).accompanied by pain
- Exhaustion
- Headache
- Chills
- High fever
Septicemic Plague:
Septicemic plague has a 2-6 day incubation period.
Symptoms include:
- Exhaustion
- Headache
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
Pneumonic Plague:
Pneumonic plague may result from Bubonic plague or Septicemic plague if proper treatment is not sought.
Symptoms include:
- High Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Weakness
- Cough (productive of bloody or watery sputum) and difficulty breathing
How can I prevent plague around my home?
Around your home - make it rodent proof
- Elevate woodpiles 6 inches off the ground.
- Clean-up garbage.
- Clean-up scattered pet food.
- Clean-up rock piles.
- Clean-up brush.
If you anticipate being exposed to fleas:
- Apply insect repellents to clothing and skin to prevent flea bites. Always follow the label instructions.
Your pets:
- Keep pets confined.
- Dust pets weekly with approved flea powder.
For More Information Contact the City/County Vector Control Office, for flea or rodent control procedures if you find dead rodents, or the sudden disappearance of rodents on your property at 873-6613.
For additional information about plague contact the Bernalillo County Office of Environmental Health at 314-0310.
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