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Abstract:
Cases of plague continue to occur in various parts of the world, including the western United States, where plague is endemic among the wild rodent population. In 1980, a case of plague acquired in New Mexico and hospitalized in Nebraska illustrated the problem of plague occurring in persons traveling from the state in which they become infected to another state. Nine cases of plague in travelers were identified among the 166 cases of plague reported in the United States from 1950 to 1980. Physicians should be aware of natural plague foci in the western United States and should obtain a travel history from patients with an illness clinically compatible with plague.
Insights
Plague cases occur in the western US, endemic in wild rodents. Travelers can spread the disease to new states, highlighting the need for physician awareness and travel history documentation.
Area of Science:
- Zoonotic diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Plague remains a public health concern globally and is endemic in western US wild rodent populations.
- Understanding plague transmission dynamics is crucial for effective disease control.
Observation:
- A 1980 case highlighted plague transmission via travel between US states.
- Nine plague cases in travelers were identified between 1950 and 1980 among 166 total reported US cases.
Findings:
- Travelers can inadvertently spread plague from endemic areas to non-endemic regions.
- Physicians must consider plague in differential diagnoses for patients with compatible symptoms, especially those with travel history.
Implications:
- Increased physician awareness of plague foci in the western US is essential.
- Routinely obtaining travel histories can aid in early plague diagnosis and prevent further spread.
- Public health strategies should address the risks associated with plague transmission by travelers.