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
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