First Plague Case Since 2000 Reported in Arizona

Arizona's first case of plague since 2000 has been reported in an adult female in Apache County. The woman became ill early September from a flea bite at her home in northern Arizona. She is now recovering after receiving the appropriate antibiotics treatment. In a community northeast of Flagstaff in Coconino County, an outbreak of plague involving prairie dogs is occurring. Many rodents are dying from the disease and are leaving behind infected fleas. County health and Northern Arizona University officials are closely monitoring and responding to this situation. Response has included flea collecting and testing, and extensive prevention education and outreach to people in affected areas. 48 cases of plague have been reported in Arizona during the last 30 years (1977-2006), eight of which were fatal. The plague risk has been relatively low during the last six years due to drought conditions and high summer temperatures. "The recent appearance of plague activity in two northern counties has us concerned that we may see plague in other areas as well," said Craig Levy, head of the state Vector Borne and Zoonotic Disease Program. Plague is an acute infection of rodents, rabbits and other carnivorous animals. It can be transmitted to humans by flea-bites or by direct contact with infected animal tissues during skinning or handling of game animals. In very rare cases, plague can be spread from person-to-person, or cat-to-person, by pneumonic (airborne) transmission. People or animals, particularly cats, infected with plague pneumonia can transmit the bacteria by coughing or sneezing in the face of another person or animal. Early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment as it is a disease that responds well to appropriate antibiotic therapy. Symptoms of plague often include high fever, chills, weakness, headache, nausea, and frequently a painful, enlarged lymph node in the groin area or armpit. Persons with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, especially if they have recently been exposed to fleas, rodents, rabbits, or sick cats in areas where plague may be active. In Arizona, plague activity mostly occurs in areas above 4,500 feet in elevation. For this reason, campers, hunters, hikers and others who live in or visit areas above 4,500 feet should take the following precautions to avoid plague exposures: * Do not handle sick or dead animals. * Avoid close exposures to rodent burrows and fleas. * Prevent cats and dogs from roaming. Wandering animals can pick up plague infected fleas and bring them home. * Use appropriate flea control products on cats and dogs. Consult your veterinarian for guidance. * Wear protective gloves when skinning rabbits or rodents and when preparing them for cooking. Also, game meat should be cooked to 180 degrees or until the juices run clear. * In the event a plague-like illness develops within six days of a potential exposure, see a physician immediately. For more information on plague, please visit: www.azdhs.gov/phs/oids/vector/plague/index.htm