How Did Fleas Get the Plague?
WouterInfected fleas can spread the plague bacteria to humans and other mammals, and they can transmit the disease through flea bites. Humans and other mammals are most likely to contract plague through flea bites or ingesting infected rodents, but other exposures can occur too, including contact with contaminated soil or respiratory droplets.
People who work or live in an area with infected rodents are most at risk. While plague has not been reported in New York State, it has occurred in other parts of the U.S., especially in the western U.S. Cases are more common in late spring and early fall.
This infection is often fatal, and antibiotic treatment is often the only option. In severe cases, it can cause respiratory failure and shock. People with plague should seek medical attention as soon as they develop symptoms. The plague bacteria are easily transmitted from one human to another, and antibiotic treatment is the best way to avoid infection. Because plague is a zoonotic disease, it can be transmitted to humans by flea bites, so people must avoid contact with infected animals and their carcasses. They should also avoid contact with any body fluids or tissues.
In humans, plague is caused by the Yersinia pestis bacteria. It is spread by flea bites and is fatal if left untreated. It causes blood clots in the tiny blood vessels and can result in the death of a person. The plague can also cause inflammation of the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain.
