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 | 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 |
