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| Burrowing rodents of the genus Cynomys, like this prairie dog, can harbor fleas infected with Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague. | |
PLAGUE
WHAT IS IT?
The causative agent of plague, Yersinia pestis, is found in rodents
and their fleas.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
The plague bacterium could be disseminated by aerosol, resulting in
the pneumonic form with the potential for secondary spread of cases
through respiratory droplets of those infected.
SYMPTOMS:
Within one to six days after exposure, the first signs of illness are
fever, headache and weakness, which can lead to shock and death
within two to four days.
TREATMENT:
Antibiotics within 24 hours of first symptoms.
Source: CDC; American Medical Association
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