How To Protect Yourself And Your Pets

Facts About Plague

• Plague is a highly infectious disease caused by bacteria
• Plague is primarily a disease of rodents, but humans and their pets (dogs and especially cats) can also become infected
• Infection can occur when humans or pets live in or visit areas where wild rodents are naturally infected or if the disease is transferred to domestic rats that live closely with people.

Symptoms of Plague
In humans, the initial symptoms of plague include chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, weakness and most commonly swollen and tender lymph nodes (called buboes). This stage is called the bubonic plague.  Plague symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 days after infection. Plague is treatable when found early.

An animal with plague will become very ill, may stop eating and will have a fever. Swollen lymph glands may occur, generally in the neck area. INFORM YOUR VETERINARIAN IF A PET BECOMES SICK FOLLOWING A VISIT TO A PLAGUE AREA.

Animals That Carry Plague

Do not bring fleas home with you!  Flea control products should be used on pets before taking them to a known plague location.  The most important wild rodents that can carry the disease are ground squirrels, chipmunks, wood rats and mice. Rabbits, carnivores and wild pigs can also get plague but usually recover. Domestic animals, such as cats and rats can also carry plague and pose a direct threat to humans.

Exposure To Plague- How You Get It

People can get the disease from animals in several ways. The most important routes of transmission are:                                                            

1. Flea bites from infected rodents:  Hungry fleas will leave a sick or dead rodent to find new blood meals from humans.

2. Direct contact with sick or dead animals:  The plague bacteria in the blood, urine or saliva of an infected animal can enter cuts and abrasions on human hands.

3. Pet involvement: (1.) Infected rodents fleas can be brought into a home or campsite by a dog or cat.  (2.) Plague pneumonia can be transmitted by a sick cat that is coughing and sneezing.

General Precautions:

• Avoid known plague areas
• Avoid contact with wild animals and their fleas, especially sick or dead rodents
• Use caution when handling a sick pet that has been in a plague area
• Avoid face-to-face contact with sick pets or sick humans
• Report sick or dead animals to park rangers or the Vector Control Program
• Contact a physician immediately if you become ill within 7 days after being in a plague area 

History Of Plague

The Plague hit Europe in the 6th century (the Plague of Justinian) and again in the 14th century (the Black Death). The last urban outbreak was in Los Angeles in 1924 and 1925. Since then, human plague in the United States has occurred only in scattered cases in rural areas (infecting an average of 10-15 people per year). Plague in humans is relatively rare and can be treated with antibiotics if it is found early.  

Plague In California

Plague in California occurs in the foothills, plateaus, and mountains higher than 4000 feet. It is absent from the southeastern desert region and the Central Valley.  Major threats to humans are in the recreational, wilderness and rural parts of the state as well as the suburban foothill area of some large major cities. People most at risk of catching plague are those that live, work or visit areas where plague is found. 

 

Role Of Public Health Officials

• State and local vector control programs monitor plague activity. Rangers, park employees are trained to watch for sick or dead rodents.            
• Warnings will be posted by park rangers or health officials in areas where plague is found.  People should use caution when entering these areas.
• Flea powder may be used to control fleas carrying plague.  Flea powder is applied into rodent burrows or manmade traps. Rodents get the powder in their fur after entering the traps and carry it back to their burrow, killing fleas inside the burrow. This is very effective, uses a minimum of flea powder and does not harm rodents.

Plague Activity

Printable Plague Brochure

Latest Plague Press Release

Plague Activity Map (2008 through 2011)

For More Information On  Plague Or Other Vectors Contact:  (858) 694-2888   vector@sdcounty.ca.gov