I've heard about it in the past when I lived in Phoenix, Arizona, though I didn't pay much attention to it, living in the city with minimal wildlife present. However with our recent move to the country of Colorado Springs, CO, our new neighbor introduced himself and told us some important things about the area, including that this area has the Plague present, carried primarily by wild rodents and their fleas.
Plague, infamously known as the Black Death from the mid-14th century, is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and is spread primarily through rodents and their fleas, however other mammals, especially cats, carry and spread it as well.
Plague is an infectious and deadly disease, if not promptly treated with antibiotics. If you visited an area known for inhabiting the Plague (see maps here) and you begin to feel sick, you should seek medical attention immediately, as treatment for the Plague must be given quickly to prevent complications or death.
There are three common forms of Plague, each dependent on how the infection occurred:
Bubonic Plague - typically contracted through the bite of an infected flea, patients develop fever, headache, chills, weakness, and one or more painful, swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period is 2-8 days from exposure. The bacteria can spread to other parts of the body if not treated with the appropriate antibiotics.
Septicemic Plague - contracted through the bite of an infected flea or from handling an infected animal, patients develop fever, chills, extreme weakness, abdominal pain, shock, and possibly bleeding into the skin and other organs. Necrosis (turning black and dying) of the skin and other tissue may occur, especially the fingers, toes, and nose. Septicemic plague may be the first symptom of plague or may develop from untreated bubonic plague. The incubation period is not well known, but likely occurs within days of exposure.
Pneumonic Plague - occurs when bacteria is spread to the lungs via untreated bubonic or septicemic plague or via the inhalation of infectious droplets coughed out by another person or animal with pneumonic plague. This is the most serious form of the disease and is the only form of plague that can be spread from person to person. Patients develop fever, headaches, weakness, and rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and sometimes bloody or watery mucous. The incubation period can be as short as +1 day following the inhalation of bacteria.
Due to the nature of how the plague is spread, it is recommended to limit your exposure to rodents and wildlife. Discourage rodent habitats around your home and places you frequent. Reduce shelter by clearing away brush, firewood, rock piles, and other debris. Ensure your home and outbuildings are rodent-proof. Eliminate food sources, including pet food, bird seed, and other wildlife feeders.
Properly dispose of dead animals found on your property (contact your local health department with any questions regarding the disposal of dead animals). If you must handle a potentially infected animal, wear gloves to prevent skin contact with the plague bacteria. Be aware that the animal may have had fleas living on it and would be seeking a new host; the fleas may bite you to see if you are a suitable host - and they may be carrying the plague.
Use a repellent if you believe you may be exposed to fleas during activities, such as camping, hiking, or working outdoors. Follow the instructions on your desired repellent. Keep fleas off your pets by using veterinary-prescribed flea and tick prevention, such as NexGard or Simparica (or Revolution for cats). It's best to keep your pet on the prescribed prevention year-round, even in cold climates. If your pet becomes sick, seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
If your pet roams free in an area endemic to plague, do not allow them to sleep in your bed to prevent the likelihood of a rogue flea they picked up entering your bed and biting you.
Again, if you, someone you know, or your pet begin to feel sick after being in an area endemic to the plague, seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications or death from plague. (See Map)
Source: CDC.gov/plague
No comments:
Post a Comment