Plague symptoms explained as officials issue rare health warning over US diagnoses

Two cases of the plague have been recently noted in the US, with officials having issued a stark warning.

In July, it was reported that an Arizona resident died after contracting the plague, with the unknown patient having experienced pneumonic plague symptoms and attending a medical institution, only to die the same day.

And today (21 August), it was reported that one California resident had tested positive for the plague. According to authorities, the individual had been camping in South Lake Tahoe, where it is believed an infected flea bit them.

The person has since sought care and is now recovering at home, according to health officials. Prior to this, two people contracted the plague in 2018 after visiting Yosemite National Park.

But what is the plague, and what are the most common symptoms?

What is the plague?

Two recent cases of the plague have been confirmed in the US (Getty Stock images)

The plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it spreads to humans through the bites of infected fleas that live on animals.

There are three types of plague:

• Bubonic plague, which causes swollen, painful lumps (called buboes) in the lymph nodes
• Septicemic plague, which infects the blood, leading to fever, bleeding, and organ failure
• Pneumonic plague, which infects the lungs and can spread through coughs and sneezes

The bubonic plague is considered the most common, with the largest case being 'The Black Death', which led to the deaths of more than 25 million people over the European continent in the 14th century.

What are the symptoms of plague?

The plague can be spread via fleas (Getty stock images)

Symptoms of plague in humans may include:

• Sudden fever and chills
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle aches and fatigue

However, the three types of plague come with their own set of symptoms, including:

• Swollen, painful lymph nodes (buboes), usually in the armpit, groin, or neck (bubonic)
• Blackened tissue from gangrene and abdominal pain (septicemic)
• Trouble breathing, coughing up blood, and chest pain (pneumonic)

If a pet has the plague, they will exhibit fever, low energy, loss of appetite and swollen lymph nodes.

What causes the plague?

The bubonic plague wiped out a large portion of Europe in the 1300s (Getty stock images)

The plague, while rare, is spread mostly by fleas that live on rodents and other animals.

Those fleas can then spread the disease to people and animals, with cats particularly vulnerable to the plague as they are prone to eating rodents that may also be infected.

It’s not likely to spread from person to person, but there have been cases where someone with pneumonic plague (infected lungs) has spread the plague via droplets sprayed into the air.

How many people die from the plague?

The plague comes with a range of symptoms like a fever (Getty stock images)

Aside from the 'Black Death', the cases of plague deaths are very rare.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an average of seven plague cases annually in the US, with outbreaks often occurring in states like Arizona and New Mexico.

All three types of plague can be treated with antibiotics; however, the Cleveland Clinic recommends seeking treatment immediately.

What have health officials said?

Health officials have since issued a warning (Getty Stock Images)

As per health officials in El Dorado County, people have been advised to take precautions to minimise their risk of contracting the plague.

"Plague is naturally present in many parts of California, including higher elevation areas of El Dorado County," said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County’s Acting Director of Public Health.

"It’s important that individuals take precautions for themselves and their pets when outdoors, especially while walking, hiking and or camping in areas where wild rodents are present," he added.

This includes things like:

· Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents.

• Never touch sick, injured or dead rodents.
• Do not allow your pets to play with or pick up sick, injured or dead rodents.
• Do not camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed.
• Look for and heed posted warning signs.
• Wear long pants tucked into boot tops and spray insect repellent containing DEET on socks and pant cuffs to reduce exposure to fleas.
• Leave pets at home if possible; otherwise, keep pets on a leash. Do not allow pets to approach sick or dead rodents or explore rodent burrows.
• Protect pets with flea control products.
• Pet cats are highly susceptible to plague and can pose a direct threat to humans. Keep cats away from rodents. Consult a veterinarian if your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents.
• If you get sick after being in an area where plague is known to occur, consult a physician and tell them you may have been exposed to plague.