A 58-year old male is recovering in hospital after a diagnosis confirmation of bubonic plague. The man is from Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is the first human case this year in the whole country. Earlier on this year some dogs were diagnosed in Santa Fe County and one cat from Rio Arriba County.

Bubonic plague is a bacterial disease that circulates principally in small rodents and their fleas – the source of human infection is mainly fleas. It can also be transmitted by direct contact with other infected animals, such as pets. It is one of three kinds of infections called Yersinia pestis, belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. Two out of three infected humans who do not receive treatment die within days.

Although bubonic plague is commonly used to refer to a plague, it is, in fact an infection that penetrates the skin and travels through the lymphatic system, as commonly happens in infections carried by fleas.

Historians believe the bubonic plague caused the deaths of about 75 million people in Europe during the fourteenth century – between 30% to 60% of the continent’s population.

Dr. Catherine Torres, Cabinet Secretary, Department of Health, said:

“Whenever there is a human case of plague, the Department of Health takes several steps to ensure the safety of the immediate family, neighbors, and health care providers. We inform neighbors door-to-door about plague found in the area and educate them on reducing their risk. We determine whether individuals close to the patient may also have been exposed to the plague and recommend preventative treatment when necessary.”

Dr. Paul Ettestad, a veterinarian who works in the Department of Health explained that bubonic plague starts becoming more prevalent during the spring, and continues in the summer. He advises people to take measures to stay away from rodents and their fleas.

Dr. Ettestad said:

“Dead rodents should either be buried in the ground using a long shovel or double bagged and thrown away in the garbage if that is allowed in your area. This will help keep pets and children from handling rodent carcasses and potentially being exposed to plague.”

The following measures may help reduce the risk of plague:

  • Do not allow your pets to roam or go off hunting
  • Do not place compost piles, wood and hay near your home
  • If you experience a sudden and severe fever, see your doctor straight away
  • If your pet is not well, take it to a veterinarian
  • Keep away from sick or dead rabbits and rodents, as well as their burrows and nests
  • Keep your house clear of woodpiles, brush piles, abandoned vehicles and junk – places rodents like to use as their nests
  • Keep your pet food and water away from the reach of mice
  • Use an appropriate flee control product for your pet – check with your veterinarian

The most common symptom is swollen and painful lymph glands (buboes), especially in the armpits, neck and groin.

Signs and symptoms usually appear suddenly, about two to five days after infection, and may include:

  • A bubo – smooth and painful lymph gland swelling, often near to where the bite took place.
  • Before swelling appears, the area may be painful
  • A high fever
  • Chills
  • Fits (seizures)
  • Malaise
  • Muscle cramps
  • Heavy breathing
  • Vomiting, sometimes with blood
  • Urinating blood
  • Aching limbs
  • Coughing
  • Extreme pain – caused by decaying skin

If untreated the patient will likely go into a coma and eventually die.

Infected cats or dogs will typically have a high temperature, no appetite, and there may be a swelling under the jaw.

There were no human bubonic plague cases in New Mexico last year, and six in 2009.

The following antibiotics are typically used to treat bubonic plague: aminoglycosides such as streptomycin and gentamicin, tetracyclines, and the fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin.

Written by Christian Nordqvist