Plague

Commonly infected wildlife

 

Is this animal infected?

• Disease outbreaks in wildlife are rare
• Signs during outbreaks in rodents include:
  • Swollen and/or rotting lymph nodes
  • Multiple red spots on skin/organs

Can I get it?

Yes

• Being bitten by an infected rodent flea
• Contact with abscesses on infected animals
• Through bites and scratches
• Inhaling infectious airborne droplets (rare)

How bad can it get?

Human infections are rare but can be severe

Protect myself and others

• Avoid rodents
• Prevent flea bites by wearing
  • Long sleeved clothing and disposable gloves
• Do not consume infected animals
• Wear a proper filter mask
• Wash puncture wounds and scratches with soap and warm water

Symptoms in humans

• Bubonic form (flea bite)
  • Fever and general illness
  • Swollen/painful/hot lymph nodes
  • Tissue swelling around flea bite
• Septicemic (in blood) or pneumonic (in lungs) form
  • Fever and signs of shock
  • Breathing problems, including cough
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Death
  • If you show symptoms, seek medical attention

Safe for pets?

No

• Carnivores may be infected when they eat infected tissues
• Once infected, pets can potentially cause illness to humans

What causes it?

• Bacteria called Yersinia pestis
• It is primarily a flea-transmitted disease