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Endemic human plague in New Mexico: risk factors associated with infection
Abstract:
A retrospective case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors, other than contact with infected animal tissues, for infection caused by Yersinia pestis in non-Indian residents of areas with endemic sylvatic plague in New Mexico. The study group consisted of 16 persons who had bacteriologically confirmed cases of plague in the period 1975-1976 and 45 controls who were matched by age, sex, and location of residence. Participants were questioned about outdoor activities, environmental conditions in and around the home, procedures of pet care, exposure to animals and insects, and medical history. The availability of harborage and food sources for wild rodents as a result of human activity in the immediate home environment was associated with risk of infection. Failure to take steps to control fleas on dogs and cats also appeared to be a possible risk factor. No other significant differences were found between patients and controls. Plague in New Mexico appears to result primarily from entry of the reservoir host into the habitat of the human rather than from entry of the human into the sylvatic habitat of the reservoir host.
Insights
Human activity increasing rodent habitats near homes and neglecting flea control on pets are key risk factors for Yersinia pestis (plague) infection in New Mexico residents. These factors facilitate rodent entry into human environments, increasing plague transmission risk.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Sylvatic plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, is endemic in New Mexico.
- Understanding non-rodent-tissue transmission routes is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous studies focused on direct contact with infected animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for Yersinia pestis infection in non-Indian residents of endemic areas.
- To differentiate between human-initiated and sylvatic-initiated plague transmission.
- To inform preventive measures against plague in residential settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study design.
- 16 confirmed plague cases (1975-1976) matched with 45 controls by age, sex, and residence.
- Data collected via questionnaires on outdoor activities, home environment, pet care, animal/insect exposure, and medical history.
Main Results:
- Increased availability of rodent harborage and food sources due to human activity near homes was significantly associated with plague risk.
- Failure to control fleas on domestic pets (dogs and cats) emerged as a potential risk factor.
- No other significant differences were identified between plague cases and controls.
Conclusions:
- Plague transmission in New Mexico is often linked to the encroachment of reservoir hosts (rodents) into human-inhabited areas.
- Human activities that support rodent populations near residences increase plague risk.
- Public health strategies should address environmental modifications and pet flea control to mitigate plague transmission.