Plague (Human) in the United States (Update)

In the United States (US), a total of 11 human cases of plague have been reported since 1 April 2015. Cases have been identified in six states: Arizona (2), California (1), Colorado (4), Georgia (1), New Mexico (2), and Oregon (1).

The cases in California and Georgia were linked to exposures at or near Yosemite National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Nine of the 11 patients were male; age range 14–79 years. Three of the cases had a fatal outcome.

Between 2001–2012, a range of 1-17 human cases of plague were reported annually in the US; it is unclear why the number of cases in 2015, is higher than normal.

( Via Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) 25 Aug 2015 - accessed 26/08/15)

Advice for Travellers

The steps the public can take to reduce exposure to human plague include:

• Never feed squirrels, chipmunks or other rodents and never touch sick or dead rodents.
• Avoid walking or camping near rodent burrows.
• Wear long pants tucked into socks or boot tops to reduce exposure to fleas.
• Spray insect repellent containing DEET on skin and clothing, especially socks and pant cuffs to reduce exposure to fleas.
• Keep wild rodents out of homes, caravans, and outbuildings and away from pets.
• Rodent habitat can be reduced around the home by clearing foliage, clutter, and rodent food sources such as household waste or pet food.
• Owners should regularly use flea control on pets and consult a vet if their pet is ill.

Early symptoms of plague may include high fever, chills, nausea, weakness and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin. Travellers who develop these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and notify their health care provider that they have been camping or out in the wilderness and have been exposed to rodents and fleas.

• Further information on plague.