25 - Plague

Question 1

Understand how plague is transmitted to humans with particular emphasis on the role of cats

Answer 1

Direct contact with animal, flea bite, cat bite/scratch -> droplet (pneumonic!)

Question 2

Describe the clinical signs and symptoms of human plague

Answer 2

• Bubonic Plague: fever, characteristic bubo (swollen LN), headache
• Septicemic Plague (less common): primary (no bubo), or secondary to bubonic - Gangrene of acral regions, hypotension, fever, abdominal pain, shock
• Pneumonic Plague (rare): primary (inhalation, person-to-person), 2° to bubonic - Pneumonia, hemopysis, fever, fatal if not treat promptly

Question 3

Know where endemic foci of plague are found

Answer 3

Western US, South Africa, China

Question 4

Know how to manage a plague suspect animal

Answer 4

• treat if suspicion high, treat for 10 to 21 days, animals w/ resp signs should get radiographs, treat for leas, don’t send home until tx for 48-72 hours
• intstutute appropriate infection control procedures, droplet precautions plus eye protection, wear mask if within 6 feet of ill cat (pneumonic from droplt), prophylactic tx for exposed

Question 5

You suspect you have a case of plague. How will you protect your staff and client?

Answer 5

Use prophylaxis and protection!

use droplet precautions + eye protection

insecticides in rodent barrows, reduce their food