Plague

Description
  • Yersinia pestis bacteria transmitted by fleas and/or exposure to tissues or body fluids from diseased animals
Location
  • Southwestern part of the United States
Cause
  • Acute disease from getting bitten by an infected flea
Symptoms
  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Lethargy
  • Sudden onset of fever and chills

followed by

  • swollen and painful lymph nodes in the armpits, groin and other areas two to six days following exposure.
  • Could also lead to primary plague pneumonia.
Treatment
  • Seek medical attention from a physician
Prevention
  • Spray skin with insect repellents
  • Treat field clothes with permethrin
     
Other Facts
  • Animal hosts include prairie dogs, rabbits, hares, carnivores and wild ungulates
  • 284 cases were reported between 1970–90, 50 percent of which were reported in New Mexico