Summary Plague is caused by a bacterium called pasteurella pestis. It is an infection of rodents and is transmitted via fleas – often during outbreaks many dead and dying rats are evident. Distribution and Transmission Plague is present in Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe), The Americas (Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru), Vietnam and Asia. Prevention Rodents should be discouraged – avoid leaving food scraps around, and avoid rodent burrows/holes. Signs and Symptoms Plague results in a fever, swelling of lymph nodes, and a type of pneumonia. Plague is readily treatable with antibiotics. |